President Bola Tinubu on Monday said former President Muhammadu Buhari taught Nigerians, particularly the political class, that public office is a sacred trust and not a personal windfall, as he paid glowing tribute to the life and legacy of his late predecessor.
Tinubu spoke at the official presentation of the biography, “From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari,” held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, where he described Buhari as a leader whose reputation for integrity, discipline, and modest living endured long after the trappings of power had faded.
According to the President, the true measure of Buhari’s leadership was not the offices he occupied or the privileges that came with power, but “what persists when the sirens fall silent,” noting that the late former President left behind a legacy defined by honesty, restraint, and a firm belief that leadership is anchored in service.
Tinubu, who described himself as a brother, friend, and political partner to Buhari, recalled their shared political journey and the coalition-building efforts that culminated in the historic 2015 election victory, which unseated an incumbent government and reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape.
He said the alliance forged during that period had since evolved into the fastest-growing political party in Africa.
The President said the biography serves as an honest account of Buhari’s life and leadership, outlining both achievements and shortcomings, and urged future leaders to draw lessons from history rather than rely on empty slogans.
He identified humility, security, vision, and social justice as the enduring pillars of Buhari’s legacy, noting that the late leader preferred simplicity over extravagance, believed in self-discipline as the foundation of governance, and prioritised national security as the bedrock of prosperity.
Tinubu also highlighted Buhari’s long-term vision for infrastructure development, including roads, railways, bridges, and airports, as well as his commitment to targeted social investments aimed at protecting the poor and vulnerable.
He said Buhari’s consistent love for Nigeria and faithfulness to his oath of office earned him respect, even among critics, adding that their political experience together reinforced the importance of cooperation across differences in the task of nation-building.
Tinubu vowed that his administration would honour and build upon Buhari’s legacy, stressing that remembrance must go beyond rhetoric to the delivery of tangible results with discipline, compassion, and resolve.
“To my dear brother, President Muhammadu Buhari: though you are no longer with us, your impact endures. We will honour and build upon your legacy, not just by invoking your name, but by delivering results with discipline, compassion, and resolve,” Tinubu said.
The President commended the author of the book for enriching Nigeria’s collective memory and expressed hope that the biography would inspire young Nigerians as they reflect on leadership and public service.
In his welcome address, the Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda, portrayed the late former President as an incorruptible strategist whose leadership was defined by integrity and a deep understanding of national security.
Radda said Buhari’s foresight in security matters and his personal discipline set him apart as a leader committed to the protection of the state and the welfare of its citizens.
He also lauded the collaboration and camaraderie that existed between the late President and his successor, President Tinubu, which culminated in the victory that installed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015, adding that there could not have been a better successor than Tinubu.
Earlier, the author of the biography, Dr. Charles Omole, described the book as the most comprehensive account of the life and legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, explaining that the 600-page work addresses complex questions surrounding his journey, character, and leadership.
According to Omole, the book focuses not just on Buhari the public figure, but on the man himself—his guiding principles, values, and personal convictions.
He noted that one of Buhari’s enduring legacies is his family, particularly his children, whom he said were raised with forthrightness, balance, and strong emotional intelligence.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Buhari’s daughter, Hadiza Nana Buhari, said the biography transcends a mere historical record, capturing the rhythm of a life lived with restraint, steadiness, and an abiding belief that public office is a sacred trust.
She noted that while the story is not presented as flawless, “as no human story ever is, it challenges the next generation to build institutions strong enough to translate good intentions into lasting outcomes.
Nana Buhari urged young Nigerians to draw lessons from her father’s life by embracing integrity, moderation, and patience in their pursuit of success and service to the nation.
The event was graced by dignitaries from all walks of life, among whom were the President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow; members of the Buhari family, led by former First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Buhari; traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and others.
Also at the event were the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen Buba Marwa (rtd), former Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Isiaka Amoo (rtd); former Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Alhaji Yusuf Bichi, former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (rtd), and former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Asamu, all spoke on their experience with the late former President.
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