President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, said the life and leadership of former President Muhammadu Buhari stand as enduring proof that power is meant for service to the people, not for personal privilege, as he paid glowing tribute to his late predecessor at the public presentation of his biography in Abuja.
Tinubu spoke at the launch of the book, 'From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari', held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, where he described Buhari as a leader whose reputation for integrity, discipline and modest living outlived the offices he occupied.
According to the President, Buhari consistently demonstrated that public office is a sacred trust, stressing that true leadership is measured not by the trappings of power but by what remains when authority fades.
"The real test of leadership is what endures when the sirens fall silent," Tinubu said, noting that Buhari's legacy is anchored in honesty, restraint and an unwavering belief that leadership must serve the common good.
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The President recalled his long-standing relationship with Buhari, describing him as a brother, friend and political partner, and traced their shared political journey, particularly the coalition-building efforts that culminated in the historic 2015 election that ended an incumbent government.
He said the alliance formed during that period had grown into one of the fastest-rising political movements on the continent, redefining Nigeria's political landscape and demonstrating the power of cooperation across differences.
Tinubu said the biography offers an honest account of Buhari's life and leadership, documenting both his strengths and shortcomings, and urged leaders to learn from history rather than hide behind slogans.
He identified humility, discipline, security, vision and social justice as the defining pillars of Buhari's legacy, noting that the late former President chose simplicity over extravagance and believed that personal discipline was essential to effective governance.
The President also highlighted Buhari's focus on national security, describing it as the foundation of economic growth and national stability, as well as his long-term vision for infrastructure development through investments in roads, railways, bridges and airports.
He further pointed to Buhari's commitment to targeted social investment programmes aimed at supporting the poor and vulnerable, saying these reflected his belief that governance must protect those at the margins of society.
Tinubu said Buhari's consistent love for Nigeria and fidelity to his oath of office earned him respect even from critics, adding that their shared political experience reinforced the importance of unity and collaboration in nation-building.
He pledged that his administration would honour and build upon Buhari's legacy, stressing that remembrance must translate into concrete action and measurable results.
"To my dear brother, President Muhammadu Buhari: though you are no longer with us, your impact endures. We will honour and build upon your legacy, not merely by invoking your name, but by delivering results with discipline, compassion and resolve," Tinubu said.
In his remarks, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, described Buhari as an incorruptible strategist whose leadership was shaped by personal discipline and a deep understanding of national security.
Radda said Buhari's foresight and firm approach to security distinguished him as a leader committed to protecting the state and safeguarding the welfare of citizens.
He also praised the cooperation between Buhari and Tinubu, which he said was instrumental to the victory that ushered in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015, adding that Buhari could not have had a more fitting successor.
Earlier, the author of the biography, Dr. Charles Omole, said the 600-page book is the most comprehensive account of Buhari's life and leadership, addressing complex questions about his character, values and public service.
Omole explained that the work goes beyond the public image of Buhari to examine the man behind the office, his guiding principles and personal convictions, adding that one of his enduring legacies is his family, raised with discipline, balance and emotional intelligence.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Buhari's daughter, Hadiza Nana Buhari, said the book captures a life lived with restraint, steadiness and a firm belief that public office is a sacred trust.
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She noted that while the account does not present her father as flawless, it challenges the next generation to build strong institutions capable of turning good intentions into lasting outcomes.
Nana Buhari urged young Nigerians to embrace integrity, moderation and patience in their pursuit of success and service to the nation.
The event drew dignitaries from across the country and beyond, including the President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow; members of the Buhari family led by former First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Buhari; traditional rulers, among them the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, and the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.
Also present were senior security chiefs and former service heads, including the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd); former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amoo (retd); former Director-General of the Department of State Services, Alhaji Yusuf Bichi; former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (retd); and former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Asamu, who shared personal reflections on Buhari's leadership and character.
