President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining the legacies of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing public office as a trust that must be guided by integrity, discipline, and service to the people.
The President made the declaration on Monday at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja 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.
According to President Tinubu, the book provides Nigerians with an opportunity to reflect honestly on Buhari’s life, leadership style, achievements, and shortcomings, noting that true history should educate future leaders rather than recycle slogans. He stated that Buhari’s legacy gains real meaning only when successors deliberately build on what he started, adding that sustaining those ideals is a responsibility he has embraced.
President Tinubu also reflected on his long-standing political relationship with Buhari, describing him as a brother, friend, and partner in Nigeria’s democratic journey. He recalled how both leaders worked together to build a broad political coalition that led to the historic 2015 election, which saw an incumbent president defeated for the first time in Nigeria’s history. He noted that the coalition formed in 2014 has since evolved into one of the fastest-growing political parties on the African continent.
He stressed that their shared political experience reinforced the importance of cooperation across differences, adding that governance demands responsibility after political competition. According to him, Buhari believed strongly that politics ends once the oath of office is taken, a principle Tinubu urged Nigerians to uphold in honour of the late leader.
Commending the author, President Tinubu praised Dr Omole’s scholarly effort, describing the book as an important contribution to Nigeria’s political history and collective memory.
Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umaru Radda, applauded President Tinubu for standing by the Buhari family and Katsina State following the former president’s passing, describing Buhari as a symbol of discipline, prudence, patriotism, and purposeful leadership.
Dr Charles Omole explained that the biography chronicles Buhari’s life from birth to death, drawing insights from individuals who witnessed key moments of his journey. Former Service Chiefs and security leaders who served under Buhari testified to his self-discipline, integrity, and strong sense of duty.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd), described Buhari as a disciplined officer who took keen interest in the welfare and performance of his subordinates, noting that he was widely respected as a man of honour and principle who loved the masses.
Former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, said Buhari demonstrated statesmanship by ensuring that military authority always served democratic governance, even during periods of intense security challenges.
Former Director-General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, commended President Tinubu for continuing Buhari’s legacies of democratic governance and credible elections, describing the late president as a leader who would never compromise electoral integrity.
Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (Rtd) highlighted Buhari’s focus on maritime security, noting that Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea, was significantly strengthened under his leadership. Former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, added that Buhari’s administration introduced decisive police reforms anchored on professionalism, accountability, and operational effectiveness.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Hadiza Nana Buhari thanked guests for their support and expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for completing the National Armed Forces PTSD Centre in Abuja, a project initiated under Buhari’s administration through the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association. She urged Nigerians to draw lessons from her father’s life and build systems rooted in patience and integrity.
The event was attended by the President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow; Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; several state governors; senior government officials; traditional rulers; members of the Buhari family; and former aides of the late president.
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