Tinubu Pledges to Uphold Buhari’s Leadership Legacy

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining the legacies of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, particularly in the areas of leadership, discipline and integrity.

The President made the pledge on Monday in Abuja at the State House Conference Centre during the unveiling and public presentation of From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, a 600-page biography authored by Dr Charles Omole.

Speaking at the event, Tinubu said the book provides Nigerians with an opportunity to reflect on Buhari’s life and leadership, stressing that true honour lies in building on the foundations laid by predecessors.

“This book reinforces the public memory. It outlines achievements and flaws, as all honest histories should. It should motivate future leaders to learn lessons rather than repeat slogans,” the President said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to Tinubu, Buhari’s legacy becomes more meaningful when those who succeed him choose to advance the work he began. “That is my duty, and I pledge that today,” he declared.

The President also reflected on his long-standing political relationship with Buhari, whom he described as a brother, friend and political ally. He recalled their collaboration in building a broad-based political coalition that altered Nigeria’s political landscape.

“Together, we built a broad coalition, campaigned across the country, and proved that Nigeria could chart a new course,” Tinubu said, noting that the coalition achieved a historic victory in 2015 by defeating an incumbent president and has since grown into what he described as “the fastest-growing political party in Africa.”

He emphasised that working across political and ideological differences remains a strength rather than a weakness, adding that nation-building requires both healthy competition and responsible governance. “President Buhari understood that the contest ends when the oath begins,” Tinubu said, urging politicians to keep politics honourable and governance results-driven.

Commending the author, Tinubu praised Dr Omole for what he described as a comprehensive and well-researched account of Buhari’s life.

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, also lauded President Tinubu for standing by the Buhari family and Katsina State, describing the former president as a symbol of discipline, prudence, patriotism and purposeful leadership.

In his remarks, Dr Omole said the book chronicles Buhari’s life from birth to death, noting that he interviewed individuals who witnessed key moments in both phases.

Several former service chiefs and security heads who served under Buhari testified to his discipline and integrity. Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd), described Buhari as “a man of honour, character and principle.”

Former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, said Buhari was not merely a Commander-in-Chief issuing orders but a statesman who understood that military authority must always serve democratic governance.

Former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi, said Buhari would never rig an election, while former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (Rtd), noted that national security improved under his leadership.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Hadiza Nana Buhari expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his continued support, particularly for completing the National Armed Forces PTSD Centre Project in Abuja. She urged Nigerians to draw lessons from her father’s legacy of patience and integrity.

The event was attended by President Adama Barrow of The Gambia, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, state governors, top government officials, traditional rulers and members of the Buhari family.