What Tinubu revealed about Buhari that stunned Abuja audience

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday delivered an emotional and far-reaching tribute to late former President Muhammadu Buhari, pledging that his administration would preserve and build upon Buhari’s legacy of discipline, integrity and nation-building.

Speaking in Abuja at the launch of Buhari’s biography, Tinubu described his predecessor as a leader whose influence would endure long after power had passed, insisting that true leadership is measured not by office or privilege but by values that survive “when the sirens fall silent.”

“We are here to celebrate the late President Muhammadu Buhari, a leader who embodied quiet strength, discipline, and an enduring grace rooted in service,” Tinubu said, as he extended condolences to Buhari’s widow, Aisha Buhari, and the family.

In one of his most personal reflections since assuming office, Tinubu said Buhari’s life demonstrated that “public office is a trust and not a windfall,” recalling his reputation for integrity, modest living and moral restraint.

“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, recounting their shared political struggle that culminated in the historic 2015 election.

He described the victory as a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, noting that the coalition formed in 2014 not only unseated an incumbent government but grew into “the fastest-growing political party in Africa today.”

Tinubu said the biography offered an honest account of Buhari’s leadership, stressing that history must acknowledge both achievements and shortcomings.

“This book reinforces public memory. It outlines achievements and flaws, as all honest histories should. It should motivate future leaders to learn lessons rather than repeat slogans,” he stated.

Outlining what he called the “pillars” of Buhari’s legacy, Tinubu highlighted humility, security, long-term vision and social justice.

“President Buhari preferred simplicity over ornamentation,” he said. “He believed that a leader must first discipline himself before he can discipline a system.”

On security, Tinubu noted that Buhari understood safety as the bedrock of citizenship and prosperity, adding that investments in personnel, platforms and reforms strengthened the armed forces beyond temporary headlines.

He also credited Buhari with prioritising infrastructure-roads, rail, bridges and airports, while stressing sustainability and maintenance, alongside targeted social programmes for the poor and vulnerable.

But Tinubu made it clear that legacy alone was not enough.

“A legacy becomes alive only when those who come after choose to continue what has been started. That is my duty. That is our collective duty,” he said.

In a pointed political message, the President urged Nigerians to keep politics honourable and governance focused, noting that Buhari believed competition ends once the oath of office begins.

“Our political journey together taught me that cooperation across differences is not weakness; it is wisdom,” Tinubu said.

He also called on young Nigerians to draw inspiration from Buhari’s life, expressing hope that the biography would find its way into classrooms and libraries across the country.

“This book reminds us that one life, lived with restraint and responsibility, can inspire a nation,” he said.

Closing his remarks, Tinubu offered prayers for Buhari, asking Allah to grant him mercy and eternal rest, while reaffirming his commitment to leadership grounded in discipline, compassion and results.

“Though you are no longer with us, your impact endures,” Tinubu said, adding that “We will honour your legacy not by words alone, but by delivering results.”