Alhaji Lai Mohammed, former Minister of Information and Culture, has explained that his appointment by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 stemmed from years of trust, loyalty, shared convictions, and consistent service, rather than a single event.
Mohammed, who served nearly eight years as information minister under Buhari, shared this insight in his book Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration. The book, launched in Abuja on December 17, 2025, to mark what would have been Buhari’s 83rd birthday, recounts his experiences in office.
Reflecting on the period after Buhari’s inauguration on May 29, 2015, Mohammed noted that forming the cabinet took time. However, due to the trust Buhari had in him, Mohammed was personally invited to join the Ahmed Joda-led Transition Committee in April 2015, after other members had already been named. The committee’s role was to liaise with the outgoing administration of President Goodluck Jonathan to review handover notes and prepare a roadmap for the incoming government.
Mohammed recounted the phone call that led to his appointment:
“Hello,’ said a voice on the line. ‘Is this Alhaji Lai Mohammed?’ I answered yes. ‘Hold on for Mr. President,’ the voice continued.
“Then another voice, presumably the President-elect’s, asked: ‘Lai, where are you?’
“‘Your Excellency, I am in Lagos,’ I replied.
“‘What are you doing in Lagos?’ he asked.
“‘I live in Lagos, Your Excellency,’ I answered.
“He then asked: ‘Are you not coming for the inaugural meeting of the Transition Committee in Abuja tomorrow?’
“I explained that I was not yet a member. He responded: ‘Ok, Tunde (Sabiu, his longtime assistant) will call you,’ and ended the call.”
Within the hour, Mohammed received a call from Tunde, who confirmed where to deliver his appointment letter to the committee. Mohammed said he never felt left out when the committee was initially named, as he was more focused on celebrating the party’s election victory.
According to Mohammed, Buhari’s personal invitation marked the start of a strong and special relationship that lasted until Buhari’s death on July 13, 2025. He also recalled that shortly before Buhari’s 100th day in office, a close confidant asked him to assist the presidential spokespersons, Femi Adesina and Garba Shehu, highlighting the President’s trust in him even before ministers were named.
“My relationship with Buhari dates back to 2012, when I requested, through Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, that he write the foreword to my first book, Witness to History. Buhari graciously agreed and attended the book launch,” Mohammed wrote.
He added that during the run-up to the 2015 election, after the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he regularly attended meetings in Kaduna with Buhari, alongside President Bola Tinubu and Chief Bisi Akande. These interactions, built on mutual respect and shared political ideals, laid the foundation for Buhari’s confidence in him as minister.
“Serving in Buhari’s administration for nearly eight years gave me firsthand insight into his dedication to discipline, integrity, and national service—values that guided my own conduct in office,” Mohammed reflected.
