Buhari loved Nigeria, left admirable legacy – Tinubu

Former President, late Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu. Photo Credit: State House

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President Bola  Tinubu on Monday lauded the late President Muhammadu Buhari as a model of discipline, integrity, and public service during the launch of Buhari’s official biography in Abuja.

This was disclosed in the speech delivered by Tinubu at event, who described the gathering as “a profound honour”

PUNCH Online had reported that Buhari died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 in a London clinic following a prolonged illness.

His body was returned to Nigeria and buried in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in a state funeral attended by regional leaders.

At the event, Tinubu extended condolences and support to Buhari’s family, saying, “I extend the nation’s warmest embrace to Her Excellency, Aisha Buhari, her children, and grandchildren.

“May you find comfort in knowing that the prayers of Nigeria are with you, and that the Buhari name will continue to inspire noble service for generations.”

Reflecting on Buhari’s legacy, Tinubu emphasised the late president’s principles, saying, “The measure of a leader is not simply the offices he held or the motorcades that accompanied him. It is what persists when the sirens fall silent.

“President Muhammadu Buhari left behind a reputation for integrity, a spartan lifestyle, and the belief that public office is a trust and not a windfall.”

Tinubu, who shared a political journey with Buhari, recounted their coalition-building efforts, noting, “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.”

Highlighting the growth of their political alliance, he stated the growth of the now ruling party, All Progressive Congress, “The coalition we built in 2014 is now the fastest-growing political party in Africa today. Its growth continues.”

The president outlined key pillars of Buhari’s legacy, including humility, security, vision, and social justice. “President Buhari preferred simplicity over ornamentation.

“He believed that a leader must first discipline himself before he can discipline a system,” Tinubu said.

On security, he added, “He invested in platforms and personnel, improved capacities across our armed services, and pushed for reforms that endured beyond the headlines.”

On Buhari’s commitment to long-term national development, Tinubu said, “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.”

The president also praised Buhari’s dedication to social welfare, noting, “He believed in targeted social investments to ensure that the state did not ignore the poor and vulnerable.”

Tinubu encouraged Nigerians to continue Buhari’s work: “A legacy is given greater meaning when those who follow choose to continue what has been started. That is my duty.” He further remarked, “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.”

Addressing the importance of cooperative politics, Tinubu said, “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.”

Concluding his speech, the president called for unity and national progress, stating, “Nigeria is greater than any tribe, language, faith, or political party. This book reminds us that one life, lived with restraint and responsibility, can inspire a nation.” He prayed, “May Almighty Allah grant him mercy and Jannatul Firdaus and bring comfort to his family.

“May He bless Nigeria with unity, wisdom, and peace. Nigeria will endure, prevail, and prosper through our efforts and God’s grace.”

Tinubu also praised the author, saying, “I thank the author of this book for enriching our collective memory, for collecting facts and testimonies, and for refusing to reduce a complex life to simple lines.

“May this book reach widely, into classrooms, libraries, and the quiet desks of young Nigerians as they decide what kind of leaders they wish to become.”

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