I mourn the departure of President Muhammadu Buhari. He was a leader who stood up for our country in war and peace. He made his contributions to our country’s progress, as a military officer, head of state and elected president.
President Buhari demonstrated remarkable resilience, recovering from his ouster as military head of state in 1985 to emerge as an elected president in 2015. He was rather taciturn but had a sense of humour. He exuded a charm that connected him to ordinary people who cherished him as a symbol of integrity, a man who could be trusted to stand by the people.
Despite disappointment in three previous presidential elections, he summoned the vision and energy to construct a new coalition that birthed the APC in 2013. He ultimately recorded a first in Nigerian history, defeating an incumbent president in 2015. After two terms as president he also successfully handed over power to an elected successor. In retirement, he retained his pull, often playing gracious host to a variety of prominent persons.
I had the privilege of working with him in the CPC. He asked me to lead the CPC Renewal Committee after the 2011 elections. Our Committee recommended the imperative of the CPC merging with the ACN and other parties in time for the 2015 elections.
President Buhari was my political mentor. He nudged me to contest for the governorship of Kaduna State, encouraged me by attending the flag-off of my campaign in November 2014 and stood by me to victory. I am profoundly grateful for his support during my tenure as governor and for the remarkable access he afforded me, even during rare moments of disagreement on policy matters.
May Allah grant him Aljannah Firdaus and comfort his family, especially his wife Hajiya Aisha Buhari and his children who have been such a formidable support.
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai
13th July 2025
