Jubril of Sudan: Femi Adesina reveals Buhari’s true identity

Femi Adesina, the former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari, has dismissed the rumor of a clone – Jubril of Sudan – of his ex-principal as ridiculous. Adesina revealed this in his recently presented book, titled ‘Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015 – 2023),’ in Abuja last Tuesday.

The former presidential aide recounted that after Buhari’s return from a foreign medical trip on August 19, 2021, rumors circulated that the former President was not the real Buhari but rather a clone named ‘Jubril of Sudan.’ Adesina noted that on the day of Buhari’s return, he received a compliment from the ex-military leader about his attire, making it evident that the President recognized him.

“When later, some people began to spread unfounded stories that the man that returned to the country on that August 19 was not the real Buhari, but a clone, named Jubril of Sudan, I just found it preposterous, even otiose,” Adesina wrote.

He questioned the absurdity of the claim, asking, “If the person was a certain Jubril, how did he know my name, and commenting on my dressing? Pathetic people. Pitiable,” he added.

Adesina also highlighted the warm reception Buhari received during his ride from Murtala Muhammed Airport to the Presidential Villa in Abuja on that day. He expressed confidence that if Buhari had contested for office again, he would have won based on the overwhelming support he received from the people.

In addition, the book revealed instances where Buhari resisted calls to sack the embattled governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, over speculations about his presidential ambition in the past 2023 general election. Buhari was also quoted stating a preference for extraditing Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, to face trial in Nigeria rather than resorting to eliminating him.