President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a powerful reflection on the essence of leadership on Monday, honouring the late former President Muhammadu Buhari at the official presentation of his biography in Abuja.
A Tribute to Enduring Values Over Office
President Tinubu stated that the true measure of leadership lies not in power, privilege, or pageantry, but in the values that persist long after a leader has left office. Speaking at the event on December 15, 2025, Tinubu asserted that history would remember Buhari not for the offices he held or the motorcades that accompanied him, but for the character he demonstrated in public life.
"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 Tinubu declared. He described the late former President as a man who left behind a reputation for integrity, a spartan lifestyle, and the belief that public office is a trust and not a windfall.
Recalling a Defining Political Partnership
Tinubu, speaking as a brother, friend, and political partner, recalled their shared journey in reshaping Nigeria's democratic landscape. He highlighted the broad coalition forged in 2014 that led to the historic 2015 electoral victory, which unseated an incumbent president through the ballot box.
"Together, we built a movement that united diverse interests across the country," Tinubu said. He noted that this coalition has since evolved into one of the fastest-growing political platforms in Africa, underscoring Buhari's lasting influence on the nation's political architecture.
The President outlined what he termed the enduring pillars of Buhari's legacy:
- Humility and Discipline: A leader who preferred simplicity and believed in self-discipline.
- Security Focus: An understanding that safety is the foundation of citizenship and prosperity.
- Long-term Vision: Investments in critical infrastructure like roads, railways, and airports.
- Social Justice: A belief that governance must not abandon the poor and vulnerable.
"A legacy only truly lives when those who follow choose to build upon it. That is my duty," Tinubu affirmed.
Personal Reflections from Associates
General Buba Marwa, Chairman of the NDLEA, offered personal anecdotes, describing Buhari as a principled soldier and disciplined statesman. He recalled Buhari's decisive action in 1983 as General Officer Commanding, when he personally led operations to drive Chadian forces from Nigerian territory.
Marwa also revealed Buhari's lesser-known sense of humour and personal generosity, dispelling notions of austerity in his private life. He confirmed that Buhari provided unwavering support to the NDLEA, approving requests for barracks, equipment, and recruitment.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda, in a welcome address, described Buhari as a beacon of hope whose life of discipline and integrity left an indelible mark. He highlighted the pivotal partnership between Buhari and Tinubu as a defining moment for Nigeria's democracy.
The Biography: A Comprehensive Account
Dr. Charles Omole, the author and reviewer of the 600-page biography, explained that the work is the most comprehensive account of Buhari's life, based on extensive interviews with people who knew him from birth until his passing.
Omole stated the book deliberately focuses on the man behind the office—his principles, temperament, and worldview—rather than a detailed policy review. He confirmed that the publication addresses long-standing questions and controversies from Buhari's presidency, providing documented accounts instead of speculation.
"This book asks hard questions and provides context. It is meant to help Nigerians understand the man, learn from his life, and reflect on the demands of leadership in a complex democracy," Omole said.
The high-profile event was attended by the President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, state governors, members of the Federal Executive Council, the diplomatic corps, former service chiefs, and traditional rulers, among others.
Concluding his tribute, President Tinubu expressed hope that the biography would reach classrooms and young Nigerians seeking leadership models. "One life, lived with restraint and responsibility, can inspire a nation," he said. "We will honour his legacy not by invoking his name, but by delivering results with discipline, compassion, and resolve."
