PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday paid an emotional and far-reaching tribute to late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a leader whose life of discipline, integrity and quiet strength reshaped Nigeria’s political culture and redefined public service.
News Point Nigeria reports that Tinubu spoke in Abuja at the official launch of a biography chronicling the life and leadership of the former president, an event that drew top government officials, political leaders, diplomats, traditional rulers and members of Buhari’s family.
The President opened his remarks by honouring the late leader’s family, extending the nation’s condolences to Buhari’s widow, Aisha Buhari, his children and grandchildren, and assuring them that the country remained grateful for Buhari’s years of service.
“We are here to celebrate a leader who embodied quiet strength, discipline and enduring grace rooted in service,” Tinubu said, noting that Buhari’s name would continue to inspire noble leadership for generations.
Tinubu said the true measure of Buhari’s leadership was not the offices he held or the trappings of power, but the values he left behind long after the “sirens have gone silent.”
According to him, Buhari’s defining legacy was his reputation for personal integrity, modest living and the firm belief that public office is a sacred trust rather than an opportunity for personal enrichment.
“He lived simply and carried the dignity of that modesty into power,” Tinubu said.
Reflecting on their long political alliance, Tinubu described himself not only as Buhari’s successor, but as his brother, friend and political partner who shared difficult moments and historic victories with him.
He recalled how both men worked with other political leaders to build a broad coalition that altered Nigeria’s political trajectory, culminating in the historic 2015 election that unseated an incumbent president for the first time in Nigeria’s democratic history.
“That movement united diverse interests and proved that Nigeria could chart a new course,” Tinubu said, adding that the coalition formed in 2014 has since grown into what he described as “the fastest-growing political party in Africa.”
Tinubu praised the author of the biography for presenting an honest account of Buhari’s life, saying the book neither romanticised nor diminished the former president’s record.
He noted that true histories must reflect both achievements and shortcomings, stressing that future leaders should learn lessons from Buhari’s life rather than repeat political slogans.
“This book reinforces public memory. It outlines achievements and flaws, as all honest histories should,” he said.
The President outlined what he described as four enduring pillars of Buhari’s legacy.
First, humility, which Tinubu said defined Buhari’s personal conduct and leadership style.
Second, security, noting that Buhari recognised security as the foundation of national stability and invested heavily in strengthening the armed forces and security architecture.
Third, long-term vision, which Tinubu said manifested in infrastructure projects such as railways, roads, airports and bridges, with an emphasis on sustainability and maintenance.
Fourth, social justice, reflected in targeted social investment programmes aimed at supporting the poor and vulnerable.
“These are the pillars of his legacy,” Tinubu said, adding that legacies only remain alive when successors consciously build on them.
Tinubu urged political leaders to emulate Buhari’s understanding that politics should end where governance begins.
“Our journey together taught me that cooperation across differences is not weakness; it is wisdom,” he said, calling for honourable politics and result-driven governance in Buhari’s memory.
He stressed that Nigeria must remain greater than tribe, religion, language or party affiliation, noting that one disciplined life could inspire an entire nation.
The President expressed hope that the biography would circulate widely across schools, libraries and learning spaces, serving as a guide for young Nigerians as they shape their own leadership paths.
He concluded with prayers for Buhari’s soul, asking Almighty Allah to grant him Jannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, while also praying for unity, peace and wisdom for Nigeria.
“Nigeria will endure, prevail and prosper through our efforts and God’s grace,” Tinubu declared.