Ayo Ayodele
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining and advancing the legacy of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, pledging to build on the values of discipline, integrity, and service that defined his leadership.
Tinubu made the declaration in Abuja on Monday at the launch of the biography of the late former president, where he described Buhari as a leader whose impact endured beyond office through personal restraint, humility, and devotion to national service.
Speaking before political leaders, family members, and dignitaries, the President said Buhari’s legacy must remain alive through deliberate action and continuity in governance. “A legacy becomes meaningful only when those who come after choose to continue what has been started. That is my duty, and it is our collective duty as a nation,” Tinubu said.
He recalled his long political journey with Buhari, noting that their collaboration helped forge a broad national coalition that achieved a historic milestone in 2015 by unseating an incumbent president. According to Tinubu, that alliance reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape and laid the foundation for what has become the fastest-growing political party in Africa.
Tinubu identified humility, security, vision, and social justice as the enduring pillars of Buhari’s leadership. He said the late president lived modestly, prioritised national security, invested in long-term infrastructure such as roads, railways, and airports, and supported targeted social interventions for the poor and vulnerable.
He stressed that Buhari’s consistent love for Nigeria earned him respect even among critics, adding that disagreement did not erase recognition of his honesty and commitment to the country.
The President also urged political actors to embrace cooperation across differences, noting that democracy demands vigorous contestation but responsible governance once elections are over. He said nation-building requires unity beyond tribe, religion, language, or party affiliation.
Tinubu commended the author of the biography for presenting a balanced account of Buhari’s life, capturing both achievements and shortcomings, and expressed hope that the book would inspire young Nigerians to embrace disciplined and selfless leadership.
Concluding his remarks, the President pledged that his administration would honour Buhari’s memory not merely in words but through results-driven governance anchored on compassion, discipline, and resolve. He prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the late leader and for unity, peace, and prosperity in Nigeria.