Former Chief of Staff to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, has acknowledged the existence of a “cabal” within Aso Rock during the Buhari administration, confirming long-standing speculation about shadowy power players within the presidency.

Speaking during an interview on Inside Sources aired by Channels Television, Gambari, who served from 2020 to 2023, described the cabal as a recurring feature of Nigerian governance, stating that similar informal power circles existed under past presidents, including Olusegun Obasanjo.

 “There was a cabal in Aso Rock during Buhari’s administration, just like in every other administration,  Some may call them a kitchen cabinet, others call them a think tank," Gambari said.

While noting that every president surrounds themselves with trusted advisers both within and outside government, Gambari admitted that the Buhari-era cabal wielded unusual power, often bypassing formal channels and ignoring presidential directives.

 “When I was appointed Chief of Staff, the President insisted that all memos must pass through my office, even the Vice President complied. Yet, some people still found ways to bypass the process,” he disclosed.

 “They knew the weak points, who to use, and he never stopped them.”

Although Gambari refrained from naming individuals, his comments offer the most direct confirmation yet of a shadow structure often blamed for opaque decision-making, restricted access to the president, and policy paralysis.

During Buhari’s time in office, critics, including lawmakers and governors, frequently decried the grip of unelected power brokers believed to be family members, long-time associates, and influential aides.

Gambari clarified, however, that despite the cabal’s influence, Buhari remained in charge, selectively.

 “Some memos came back and when we discussed them, he would change the decision. But for others, he would say, ‘Prof., let this go, just to protect me.’'

The former UN Under-Secretary-General's revelation gives rare insight into the internal dynamics of one of Nigeria’s most secretive administrations, reinforcing perceptions of a presidency marked by gatekeeping, insider control, and institutional erosion.

The comments are expected to reignite debate on the need for governance reforms and greater transparency in presidential decision-making.