President Bola Tinubu has said late former President Muhammadu Buhari taught Nigerians—especially politicians—that public office is a sacred trust, not a personal windfall.
Tinubu stated this while paying tribute to Buhari 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. He described Buhari as a leader whose reputation for integrity, discipline and modest living endured beyond his time in office.
According to the President, Buhari’s true legacy lies not in the offices he occupied, but in “what persists when the sirens fall silent,” noting that the former leader left behind values rooted in honesty, restraint and service.
Describing himself as Buhari’s brother, friend and political partner, Tinubu recalled their shared political journey and the coalition-building efforts that led to the historic 2015 election victory.
“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,” Tinubu said.
“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.”
Tinubu said the biography presents an honest account of Buhari’s life, highlighting both strengths and shortcomings, and urged future leaders to learn from history rather than rely on slogans.
He identified humility, security, vision and social justice as the enduring pillars of Buhari’s legacy.
“This book reinforces the public’s memory. It outlines achievements and flaws, as all honest histories should,” he said. “It should motivate future leaders to learn lessons rather than repeat slogans.”
Elaborating, Tinubu said:
“First, humility. President Buhari preferred simplicity over ornamentation…
“Second, security. President Buhari recognised that security is the foundation of citizenship and prosperity…
“Third, vision. He understood the importance of long-term thinking — constructing bridges, restoring railways, building roads, modernising our airports…
“Fourth, social justice. He believed in targeted social investments to ensure that the state did not ignore the poor and vulnerable.”
He added that legacy only gains meaning when successors choose to build on it. “That is my duty,” Tinubu said.
The President noted that Buhari’s consistency, discipline and fidelity to his oath earned him respect, even among critics, and said their political journey underscored the value of cooperation across differences.
“Our political journey together taught me that cooperation across differences is not weakness; it is wisdom,” he said. “Nation-building demands that we compete passionately and govern responsibly.”
Tinubu pledged that his administration would honour Buhari’s legacy through tangible results.
“To my dear brother, President Muhammadu Buhari: though you are no longer with us, your impact endures,” he said. “We will honour and build upon your legacy, not just by invoking your name, but by delivering results with discipline, compassion, and resolve.”
Earlier, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda described Buhari as an incorruptible strategist with deep insight into national security, praising the partnership between Buhari and Tinubu that produced the 2015 victory.
Author of the biography, Dr Charles Omole, said the book is the most comprehensive account of Buhari’s life, focusing not only on his public service but also his personal values and convictions.
Speaking for the family, Buhari’s daughter, Hadiza Nana Buhari, said the biography captures “a life lived with restraint, steadiness and an abiding belief that public office is a sacred trust,” urging young Nigerians to embrace integrity, moderation and patience.
The event was attended by dignitaries including Gambian President Adama Barrow, members of the Buhari family, traditional rulers, senior security chiefs and former heads of key national institutions, many of whom shared personal reflections on the late former President.
