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As President Launches Biography of Late Predecessor
- Safiu Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu has hailed his late predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, for his collaboration with him in building the All Progressives Congress (APC) which he described as the fastest-growing political party in Africa.
Tinubu made this known while launching the biography of the late former President titled “From Soldier to Statesman: The legacy of Muhammadu Buhari”
Reflecting on their time together, the President lauded the late Buhari for his integrity and what he described as a Spartan lifestyle.
He held that their coalition in 2014 birthed the APC which reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape by uniting diverse interests and achieving a historic victory in the 2015 election which unseated an incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan.
This, according to Tinubu, saw the APC became the fastest-growing political party in Africa.
“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 Muhammadu Buhari left behind a reputation for integrity, a spartan lifestyle, and the belief that public office is a trust and not a windfall.
“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.
“Together, we built a broad coalition, campaigned across the country, and proved that Nigeria could chart a new course.
“Our movement united diverse interests and achieved a historic victory in 2015 by unseating an incumbent president, thus reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape.
“The coalition we built in 2014 has become the fastest-growing political party in Africa today. Its growth continues.” The President said.
Speaking of the biography of his late predecessor, Tinubu said the book reinforced public memory and outlined achievements and flaws.
He urged future leaders to derive motivation from the book by reflecting on the enduring legacies of the late former President which include humility, prioritsation of public safety and security, vision, and social justice.
“In that spirit, let us reflect on the enduring pillars of President Buhari’s legacy:
“First, humility. President Buhari preferred simplicity over ornamentation. He believed that a leader must first discipline himself before he can discipline a system. He lived modestly, and he carried the dignity of that modesty into power.
“Second, security. President Buhari recognised that security is the foundation of citizenship and prosperity. He invested in platforms and personnel, improved capacities across our armed services, and pushed for reforms that endured beyond the headlines. He understood that safety requires protecting both the state and its citizens.
“Third, vision. He understood the importance of long-term thinking—constructing bridges, restoring railways, building roads, modernising our airports, and renewing critical infrastructure —while prioritising maintenance and sustainability.
“Fourth, social justice. He believed in targeted social investments to ensure that the state did not ignore the poor and vulnerable.” Tinubu said.
The President expressed that he is duty-bound to also keep the legacies alive as he again reflected on his political journey with Buhari.
“These are the pillars of his legacy. But 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, as a nation.
“President Buhari loved this country consistently, morning after morning, decision after decision, staying true to the oath he took. That is why even those who disagreed with him often acknowledged his honesty.
“Our political journey together taught me that cooperation across differences is not weakness; it is wisdom. Nation-building demands that we compete passionately and govern responsibly.
“President Buhari understood that the contest ends when the oath begins. In his memory, let us keep our politics honourable and our governance focused on results.
“Nigeria is greater than any tribe, language, faith, or political party. This book reminds us that one life, lived with restraint and responsibility, can inspire a nation. True nation-building is the work not just of leaders but of the entire citizenry.” He added.
Tinubu expressed his gratitude to the author of the book as he pledged to honour and build upon the legacy of the late former President by delivering results with discipline, compassion, and resolve.
Meanwhile, Tinubu was joined by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in the unveiling of the book.