Abuja, Nigeria — Wednesday, December 17, 2025 — Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has disclosed that he came close to resigning from the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari during one of the most challenging periods of his tenure. ThisDayLive+1
The revelation came as Mohammed launched his new memoir, Headlines & Soundbites: Media Moments That Defined an Administration, in Abuja, a book chronicling his experiences as Nigeria’s longest-serving information minister. ThisDayLive
Mohammed said that intense public criticism and pressure, particularly during the #EndSARS protests, pushed him to consider stepping down. At the height of the unrest, he recalled, his family faced severe backlash, including online and offline bullying and even boycotts of their businesses — prompting a family meeting in which it was agreed he should resign. Western Post+1
“I seriously considered leaving office at that point,” he told journalists and guests at the launch. The book’s account of that period offers rare insights into the pressures faced by government communicators in crisis situations. Western Post
The former minister, who served under the Buhari administration from 2015 to 2023, explained that his memoir was written not to defend the late president’s legacy but to correct misconceptions, provide context, and preserve an accurate historical record of government communication and decision-making. Premium Times Nigeria
The launch, held in Abuja on what would have been Buhari’s 83rd birthday, brought together political figures, media professionals, and public officials. Mohammed noted that he dedicated the opening chapter of the book to Buhari, whom he described as a mentor and leader. Independent Newspaper Nigeria
In addition to reflecting on moments that nearly pushed him to resign, the book covers key episodes in the administration, including communication strategies during elections, efforts to counter misinformation, and other notable policy decisions. Premium Times Nigeria
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