President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, celebrating his legacy of integrity, humility, and nation-building during the launch of Buhari’s biography on Monday, October 15, 2025.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Tinubu described Buhari as “a leader who embodied quiet strength, discipline, and an enduring grace rooted in service,” extending the nation’s condolences to Her Excellency Aisha Buhari, their children, and grandchildren.
“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,” Tinubu said, highlighting Buhari’s spartan lifestyle and his belief that public office is “a trust and not a windfall.”
Reflecting on their shared political journey, Tinubu recalled their historic coalition in 2014, which paved the way for Nigeria’s political transformation.
“The coalition we built in 2014 is now the fastest-growing political party in Africa today. Its growth continues,” he said. He described how their movement achieved a historic victory in 2015 by unseating an incumbent president, reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape.
The President emphasized four pillars that defined Buhari’s enduring legacy: humility, security, vision, and social justice. “President Buhari preferred simplicity over ornamentation. He believed that a leader must first discipline himself before he can discipline a system,” Tinubu said, noting Buhari’s modest lifestyle and the dignity with which he carried power.
On security, Tinubu said Buhari “recognised that security is the foundation of citizenship and prosperity,” investing in armed services and reforms that outlasted his tenure. Speaking on vision, he praised Buhari’s long-term thinking, citing efforts to restore infrastructure, modernize airports, and prioritize sustainable development.
Tinubu also highlighted Buhari’s commitment to social justice, describing his targeted social investments to protect the poor and vulnerable. “President Buhari loved this country consistently, morning after morning, decision after decision, staying true to the oath he took,” he said, adding that even critics often acknowledged Buhari’s honesty.
Calling for unity and responsible governance, Tinubu said, “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.”
He concluded with a personal tribute: “To my dear brother, President Muhammadu Buhari: though you are no longer with us, your impact endures. We will honour and build upon your legacy—not just by invoking your name, but by delivering results with discipline, compassion, and resolve.”
Tinubu prayed for Buhari’s soul, saying, “May Almighty Allah grant him mercy and Jannatul Firdaus and bring comfort to his family. May He bless Nigeria with unity, wisdom, and peace. Nigeria will endure, prevail, and prosper through our efforts and God’s grace.”
