President Bola Tinubu on Monday said his political journey with former President Muhammadu Buhari taught him that cooperation across political and ideological differences is a mark of wisdom, not weakness.
Tinubu made the remark while speaking at the launch of a biography of the late former president titled From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.
“My political journey together with Buhari taught me that cooperation across differences is not weakness; it is wisdom,” the President said, stressing that effective nation-building requires intense political competition followed by responsible and inclusive governance.
The event was attended by former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, her children, members of the Buhari family, as well as former aides and ministers of the late president. Also present were a former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, and a former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi.
Tinubu described Buhari as a leader who embodied discipline, integrity and modesty, noting that his legacy extended beyond the offices he held to the values he upheld in public life. He said Buhari viewed public office as a sacred trust rather than an avenue for personal enrichment and lived a spartan lifestyle that reflected his principles.
Reflecting on their political alliance, the President recalled how both men worked together to build a broad-based coalition that led to the historic 2015 general election victory — the first time an incumbent president was defeated at the polls in Nigeria. He noted that the coalition formed in 2014 later evolved into what he described as the fastest-growing political party in Africa.
Tinubu said the biography presents a balanced account of Buhari’s life, acknowledging both his achievements and shortcomings, and urged future leaders to draw lessons from history rather than rely on slogans.
He outlined what he described as the core pillars of Buhari’s legacy, including humility, commitment to national security, long-term infrastructure development, and the pursuit of social justice through targeted interventions for the poor and vulnerable.
