Former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, has provided a revealing insight into the inner workings of her late husband's administration, explaining the rationale behind ex-President Muhammadu Buhari's reluctance to dismiss ministers and aides who failed to meet expectations.
The Lingering Question of Underperformance
In a new 600-page biography titled 'From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari' written by Dr. Charles Omole, Aisha addresses a persistent critique of the Buhari presidency. She notes that the administration remains haunted by the question of why those who disappointed the president—including ministers who could not deliver and service chiefs who had outlasted their prime—were not replaced during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.
The revelations come from the biography which was officially unveiled at the State House in Abuja on Monday, December 15, 2025. Aisha's candid account offers a rare glimpse into the personal and political calculations that shaped key personnel decisions.
The Two Core Reasons for Reluctance
According to the former First Lady, two primary factors influenced President Buhari's decision-making. The first was his advanced age and changing performance dynamics. "As you age, performance changes," Aisha stated, highlighting a personal awareness that may have tempered his approach to wielding executive power.
The second, and perhaps more significant reason, was Buhari's sensitivity to the 'dictator' label from his time as a military head of state in the 1980s. This historical baggage made him deeply wary of being perceived as ruthless or authoritarian in his democratic role. "If I remove him, they will say I am this and that. The devil you know," Aisha quoted, summarizing her husband's cautious mindset.
Exploitation by the 'Cabal' and Personal Loyalty
Aisha Buhari further alleged that certain individuals around the late president exploited this hesitation. She described how aides often invoked cautionary clichés that reinforced Buhari's reluctance to act, creating an environment where underperformance could be tolerated.
She shared a telling principle that circulated within the circle: "Even if a man 'eats,' if he can still deliver 50 per cent, keep him; But if he both eats and cannot perform, then he must go." This pragmatic, albeit controversial, guideline suggested a tolerance for some level of corruption if accompanied by minimal performance.
The biography's author, Dr. Charles Omole, provided additional context, writing that Aisha's analysis "provides an additional angle on the children's explanation for why Buhari was always reluctant to sack people." Omole noted that the family collectively viewed this reluctance as a fault in the government, but one that was "mitigated by the realism of the cabal's manipulation of his emotions."
In a related disclosure that underscores the complex web of loyalty, Aisha revealed that even after leaving office, Buhari pleaded with the new government on behalf of some allies facing investigation. "When asked to step aside for investigations, Buhari pleaded with the new government on behalf of his kinsmen, seeking to shield them from inquiry because he still depended on them for many personal matters," she explained.
This revelation points to a continued reliance on a close network of associates that transcended the formal end of his presidency.
Broader Context from the Biography
The biography also touches on other personal aspects of the Buharis' life. Aisha confirmed her decision not to remarry, describing it as a pragmatic choice for a personal reset after years in the intense political spotlight. She plans to focus on family, philanthropy, travel, and leading her foundation and medical centre.
In a more startling personal revelation, Aisha disclosed that her husband once believed gossip circulating in Aso Rock that she was planning to kill him. This rumor significantly affected their relationship within the Presidential Villa, showcasing the intense pressure and intrigue of life at the highest level of Nigerian politics.
The biography, through Aisha's contributions and other sources, paints a multifaceted portrait of a leader grappling with the constraints of history, age, and the complex loyalties of political life, while offering Nigerians a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped an eight-year presidency.
