The world acknowledges Major General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, as Mr. Integrity and a Converted Democrat. The All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Nigerian President Buhari allowed ruling, opposition governors, and other elected officers to emerge based on their abilities. During election campaigns, he would ask APC and other Nigerian voters to vote for candidates of their choice across parties.
By Abanikanda Olumoro (UK)
As a former Military Head of State (January 1, 1984 – August 27, 1985), Buhari was elected President 30 years after leaving office. He refrained from interfering in the activities of the legislature and judiciary, believing that only by ensuring an effective separation of powers could institutions, not individuals, be strengthened. While no one is perfect, adherence to the laws and the Constitution ensures fairness, justice, and, ultimately, peace and stability for a nation.
Nigerian history will remember former President Buhari as the only Military Head of State who refused to promote himself to the rank of Four-Star General to avoid the abuse of power. Others who assumed the position of Head of State often sought the rank as their first move. A comparable example has emerged in Burkina Faso, where Military President Ibrahim Traore also declined promotion beyond his current rank of Army Captain.
The Claim That Bola Ahmed Tinubu Made Muhammadu Buhari President
Let the record be set straight. Did Bola Tinubu play a role in the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari? Absolutely, YES! But so did Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku Abubakar, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Sharon Ikeazor, Bukola Saraki, Rochas Okorocha, Hamid Ali, Emeka Nwajiuba, Abubakar Malami, Chidia Maduekwe, Hannatu Akilu, Col. Abdallah, among others. Additionally, millions of members of the Buhari Support Groups played vital roles, including fundraising. Most importantly, Buhari himself, with his unwavering 12.5 million votes and reputation for honesty and integrity, played a decisive role.
Unfortunately, Tinubu publicly declared in Abeokuta that he was responsible for making Buhari President, stating in Yoruba, “If not for me, he would not be president.” He even claimed that Buhari had cried and vowed not to contest again. If Tinubu believes this entitles him to claim absolute credit for Buhari’s presidency, how does that make him different from Nyesom Wike, whose political maneuvers have caused unrest in Rivers State?
The reality is that it was Mallam Nasir El-Rufai who initiated the move to persuade Buhari to contest again — not Tinubu. Ironically, El-Rufai has now taken steps to ensure Tinubu’s political downfall by 2027. Tinubu’s claim that he “made Buhari” does not align with his actions. After all, who funded the #EndSARS protests that severely criticized the Buhari administration?
The Lagos Political Landscape
During the 2023 general elections, Lagos witnessed the disenfranchisement of voters through violent acts. Voter suppression and intimidation targeted citizens, particularly when Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, a Lagos Island native, gained popularity as the gubernatorial candidate. Ethnic tensions were deliberately stoked, leading to attacks on voters in areas perceived to favor Rhodes-Vivour. Despite President Buhari being in power at the time, Tinubu’s influence loomed large over Lagos politics.
While Buhari’s government ensured the availability of subsidized food items through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), these products were sold at inflated rates in Lagos. Who was in control? Tinubu. From his wife’s alleged control over land matters to MC Oluomo’s dominance in the transport sector, Tinubu’s grip on Lagos remained evident.
If Tinubu genuinely “made Buhari President,” why did he fail to install his preferred candidates in the National Assembly? His attempts to impose Femi Gbajabiamila as Speaker and Ahmad Lawan as Senate President were thwarted by Atiku Abubakar, who outmaneuvered him to secure the leadership positions for Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara.
Conclusion
The narrative that Tinubu “made Buhari” is a distortion of history. Buhari’s political trajectory spans decades of military and civilian leadership, defined by resilience and public trust. While Tinubu may have contributed to the APC’s political strategy, his claims of singular influence are exaggerated and unfounded.
Political manipulation and personal ambition cannot overshadow the collective efforts that brought Buhari to power. Those who attempt to rewrite history for personal gain only reveal their lack of integrity and respect for the truth.
