Nigerian Leaders Reflect on Buhari's Legacy One Year After Passing
President Bola Tinubu and former leaders including Yakubu Gowon have paid tribute to late former President Muhammadu Buhari, highlighting his dedication to national service and mutual political support.
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On the first anniversary of former President Muhammadu Buhari's passing, President Bola Tinubu described him as a leader whose life and service would remain indelible in Nigeria’s memory. Speaking in Abuja, Tinubu said Buhari “gave everything he had to this country,” underscoring his commitment to national duty during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.
The commemoration brought together governors, former Heads of State, ministers, and dignitaries, reflecting on Buhari’s legacy. Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon offered a personal reflection, noting that Buhari had once assisted in paying for his children’s education. This gesture, according to Gowon, illustrated Buhari’s quiet commitment to fellow leaders beyond political alliances.
Gowon also highlighted the reciprocal political relationship between Buhari and Tinubu. He stated that Tinubu played a pivotal role in Buhari’s emergence as president in 2015, while Buhari’s later support contributed to Tinubu’s own rise to the presidency in 2023. “The alliance worked both ways,” Gowon said, as reported by Vanguard News.
Other political figures joined in honoring Buhari’s contributions. Former National Judicial Council chairman Dikko Abba and Ekiti State Governor Biodun Adeleke were among those who praised Buhari’s integrity and service. According to This Day, the tributes underscored a broader recognition of Buhari’s role in shaping Nigeria’s recent democratic trajectory.
The commemorations, covered by Vanguard News and This Day, emphasized both personal and political dimensions of Buhari’s legacy, portraying him as a figure of national consequence whose influence extended beyond his time in office.