Buhari’s political legacy in Nigeria shaped by humility and trust recalled in emotional tribute by longtime associate Buba Galadima after former president’s passing
The Buhari’s political legacy in Nigeria reflects decades of military discipline, democratic trials, and quiet conviction, according to Alhaji Buba Galadima, one of the late president’s closest political allies.
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In a heartfelt tribute, Galadima offered a personal window into the complex character of Muhammadu Buhari, following his recent passing.
Galadima, a former national secretary of the Congress for Progressive Change and now a chieftain of the NNPP, described the moment he received the news as deeply unsettling.
“It was unexpected, even though we knew he had been in and out of hospital. The shock remains with me,” he said.
The two men first worked together in 1975, during Buhari’s time as military governor of the old Northeastern State.
Their partnership deepened over decades and culminated in the formation of The Buhari Organisation (TBO), a political platform that introduced Buhari to national democratic politics.
Despite their eventual falling out, Galadima recalled those years with reverence.
“We built something from nothing. It was never about power for us; it was about Nigeria.”
He noted that Buhari’s strengths were also his greatest vulnerabilities.
“He trusted too much. Once he gave you a task, he believed you’d deliver. That kind of trust, in politics, is dangerous,” Galadima said.
Buhari’s humility and firm belief in law and order, Galadima explained, earned him public admiration.
“Even during his presidency, he resisted pressure from international bodies for foreign military bases in Nigeria. That was the General’s quiet strength.”
Galadima suffered arrest 38 times and endured treason charges under President Obasanjo’s administration for standing by Buhari.
Yet, he said, their separation came not from hatred but betrayal by opportunists who joined later. “The people praising him now were the ones fighting us then.”
Though they had not spoken in over a decade, Galadima insisted he had nothing but prayers for Buhari. “I’ve forgiven him. We disagreed politically, but I respected his ideals.”
As for Buhari’s greatest contribution to Nigeria, Galadima identified integrity.
“He had an uncommon love for the poor. That love defined how he governed. He refused IMF dictates, resisted Western influence, and trusted Nigerians to find their own path.”
Galadima is writing a book chronicling those turbulent years, including frank assessments of Buhari’s administration.
“Some chapters are critical, but they are not driven by malice. They’re written with honesty,” he said.
The Buhari’s political legacy in Nigeria will remain contested, but to Galadima, it was deeply personal.
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“Whatever people say now, I know what we built, and what we endured. He was my brother in the struggle.”
