President Bola Tinubu has revealed how a political alliance he forged with the late former President Muhammadu Buhari altered Nigeria’s political history and led to the defeat of an incumbent president in 2015.
Speaking on Monday at the launch of Buhari’s official biography, From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu reflected on the partnership that culminated in the victory of the All Progressives Congress over former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Recalling the journey, the President said the coalition brought together diverse political interests across the country and demonstrated that Nigeria could embrace change through democratic means.
According to him, Buhari left behind a powerful legacy anchored on integrity, discipline and the conviction that public office should be treated as a sacred trust rather than an avenue for personal enrichment.
“President Muhammadu Buhari left behind a reputation for integrity, a spartan lifestyle, and the belief that public office is a trust and not a windfall,” Tinubu said.
He explained that the alliance they built was deliberate and nationwide in scope, stressing that it marked a turning point in Nigeria’s political evolution.
“Together, we built a broad coalition, campaigned across the country, and proved that Nigeria could chart a new course,” the President stated.
Tinubu noted that the coalition achieved a historic milestone by removing a sitting president through the ballot, an outcome that reshaped the nation’s political landscape.
“Our movement united diverse interests and achieved a historic victory in 2015 by unseating an incumbent president,” he said.
Reflecting on the aftermath of that victory, Tinubu observed that the political platform formed at the time has continued to grow beyond expectations.
“The coalition we built in 2014 is now the fastest-growing political party in Africa today. Its growth continues,” he added.
The President also highlighted what he described as the defining pillars of Buhari’s legacy, including humility, commitment to security, clear vision and a sense of social justice.
“He preferred simplicity over ornamentation,” Tinubu said, adding that Buhari believed leadership must begin with personal discipline before it can be extended to institutions.
On security, Tinubu said Buhari made lasting investments in personnel and infrastructure within the armed forces, while pursuing reforms that outlived public attention.
“He invested in platforms and personnel, improved capacities across our armed services, and pushed for reforms that endured beyond the headlines,” the President said.
The biography chronicles Buhari’s life from his early years in Daura to his time in public service, capturing moments that defined his leadership and political philosophy.
