President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reflected on the political alliance that brought him together with the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing how their collaboration ultimately led to the defeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 general election.
Tinubu made the remarks in Abuja during the official unveiling of Buhari’s biography titled From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, held at the Presidential Villa. The event drew prominent political figures, government officials, and associates of the former president, as the nation reflected on Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria’s political evolution.
Recalling their shared political journey, President Tinubu said Buhari left behind a strong reputation built on personal integrity, discipline, and a firm belief that leadership is a responsibility rather than an opportunity for personal enrichment. He noted that these qualities formed the foundation of the trust Nigerians placed in Buhari during his rise to power.
The president highlighted how the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014 brought together diverse political interests across the country into a single, formidable coalition. According to Tinubu, this alliance successfully mobilised Nigerians from different regions and backgrounds, united by the desire for change and better governance.
He explained that the coalition’s efforts culminated in a historic outcome in 2015, when an incumbent president was voted out of office for the first time in Nigeria’s democratic history. Tinubu described the victory as a turning point that reshaped the nation’s political landscape and demonstrated the strength of collective action.
“The coalition we formed in 2014 has continued to grow and evolve,” Tinubu said, adding that the APC has since emerged as one of the fastest-growing political parties on the African continent. He stressed that the party’s expansion reflects the enduring appeal of the ideals that initially brought the alliance together.
President Tinubu also outlined what he described as the core elements of Buhari’s legacy, citing humility, commitment to national security, long-term vision, and a focus on social justice. He noted that Buhari deliberately embraced a modest lifestyle, choosing simplicity over extravagance as a personal and leadership principle.
According to Tinubu, Buhari believed that effective governance begins with self-discipline, arguing that a leader must first hold himself accountable before attempting to reform institutions. He added that the former president invested significantly in strengthening Nigeria’s armed forces by improving capacity, enhancing personnel welfare, and implementing reforms designed to outlast short-term political attention.
Tinubu concluded by praising Buhari’s leadership philosophy, stating that his impact extended beyond policy achievements to the values he exemplified in public service.
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