President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that his predecessor, late Muhammadu Buhari taught Nigerians, particularly the politicians, that public office is a sacred trust and not a personal windfall.
This is just as he also paid glowing tribute to the life and legacy of his late predecessor.
Tinubu, who spoke at the official launch of the 606-page biography, “From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari,” held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, described Buhari as a leader whose reputation for integrity, discipline and modest living endured long after leaving office
He stressed that 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 Buhari’s brother, friend and political partner, recalled the political journey they shared together and the coalition-building efforts that culminated in the historic 2015 election victory which unseated an incumbent government and reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape.
According to him, the alliance forged during that period had since evolved into the fastest-growing political party in Africa.
His words: “I stand here not just as President, but as a brother, friend, and political partner who shared a journey with President Buhari through challenging times. Together, we built a broad coalition, campaigned across the country, and proved that Nigeria could chart a new course. Our movement united diverse interests and achieved a historic victory in 2015 by unseating an incumbent president, thus reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape.
The coalition we built in 2014 is now the fastest-growing political party in Africa today. Its growth continues.”
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 enumerated lasting legacies of his predecessor in areas of security, building social infrastructures and entrenching social justice and restated his commitment to building on it.
“This book reinforces the public’s memory. It outlines achievements and flaws, as all honest histories should. It should motivate future leaders to learn lessons rather than repeat slogans.
“In that spirit, let us reflect on the enduring pillars of President Buhari’s legacy:
“First, humility. President Buhari preferred simplicity over ornamentation. He believed that a leader must first discipline himself before he can discipline a system. He lived modestly, and he carried the dignity of that modesty into power.
“Second, security. President Buhari recognised that security is the foundation of citizenship and prosperity. He invested in platforms and personnel, improved capacities across our armed services, and pushed for reforms that endured beyond the headlines. He understood that safety requires protecting both the state and its citizens.
“Third, vision. He understood the importance of long-term thinking — constructing bridges, restoring railways, building roads, modernising our airports, and renewing critical infrastructure —while prioritising maintenance and sustainability.
“Fourth, social justice. He believed in targeted social investments to ensure that the state did not ignore the poor and vulnerable.
“These are the pillars of his legacy. But a legacy is given greater meaning when those who follow choose to continue what has been started. That is my duty. “
“President Buhari loved this country consistently, morning after morning, decision after decision, staying true to the oath he took. That is why even those who disagreed with him often acknowledged his honesty.
“Our political journey together taught me that cooperation across differences is not weakness; it is wisdom. Nation-building demands that we compete passionately and govern responsibly. President Buhari understood that the contest ends when the oath begins. In his memory, let us keep our politics honourable and our governance focused on results.”
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”.
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.
Earlier in his welcome address, 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 later 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, 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 instead 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 including 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, who all spoke on their experience with the late former President.
Deji Elumoye
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