Mamman Daura, 80-year-old nephew of President Muhammadu Buhari, has publicly dismissed claims that he controls the president’s decision through his influence.
Since Buhari was first elected president in 2015, Daura is rumoured to be the head of a cabal that allegedly influences most decisions of the current administration.
However, during an interview with BBC Hausa on Tuesday, Daura said he only offers advise to Buhari, not impose his decision on the president.
“My father was their mother’s firstborn. Buhari is the last born. Yes, I do visit him to greet him. I do give him advice, but if he asked, I advise him.
“But I don’t go there on my own and insist I must do this or that. No, You don’t do that to the government, ” he said.
Daura also expressed disapproval for the power-sharing formula between the north and south usually touted for presidential elections.
“This turn by turn, it was done once, it was done twice, it was done trice. It is better for this country to be one…it should be for the most competent and not for someone who comes from somewhere,” he said.
KanyiDaily recalls that the First Lady, Aisha Buhari has accused Mamman Daura of giving presidential orders without the knowledge of her husband, President Muhammadu Buhari.
Aisha has always been at loggerheads with the Daura family. In October 2019, a video surfaced online showing the first lady and Fatima, one of Daura’s daughter, in a heated argument.
The first lady claimed she was denied access to an apartment in the presidential villa by Daura’s family.