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Abdulsalami: Buhari’s Administration Fell Short Despite His Integrity and Vision

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 14th, 2025.

Abdulsalami: Buhari’s Administration Fell Short Despite His Integrity and Vision

Former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has offered a candid assessment of the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, stating that many of those who served under him failed to meet the high standards he upheld.

Speaking in London after Buhari’s passing, Abdulsalami remembered him as a man of integrity, commitment, and deep patriotism. Despite these qualities, he noted, a number of Buhari’s ministers and aides did not live up to the ideals the former president stood for, particularly in the areas of discipline and anti-corruption.

“I had just been discharged from the hospital when I received the sad news,” Abdulsalami recounted. “I rushed back to extend my support to the family and be part of the preparations for bringing his body home.”

Buhari, who died at the age of 82 in a London hospital following a short illness, will receive a national burial. His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from political and military leaders across the country.

Reflecting on their long-standing relationship, Abdulsalami shared that he and Buhari both joined the Nigerian military in 1962. “He was my senior, and we served together during the civil war. Our bond goes back over six decades,” he said.

He described Buhari as reserved, principled, and unwavering in his values. “You could entrust him with anything, and he would never let you down,” Abdulsalami said. “His military government introduced the War Against Indiscipline, which brought a sense of order and respect back into Nigerian society.”

When Buhari returned to lead the country as a civilian president in 2015, he carried that same drive for reform. However, Abdulsalami expressed disappointment in many of the individuals Buhari appointed during his democratic administration.

“He remained committed to tackling corruption, but sadly, several of his officials didn’t measure up. They failed to deliver on the expectations he had for them,” he said.

Abdulsalami called Buhari’s death “a major loss for Nigeria,” underscoring the symbolic weight of his passing. “The Vice President has been asked to accompany his body back home, which reflects the gravity of this moment,” he said.

He concluded by celebrating Buhari’s legacy as a man of duty, principle, and national pride. “Though soft-spoken, his convictions were firm. We’ve lost a leader who truly wanted to build a better Nigeria. His death is a national tragedy, not just a personal one.”

Arrangements for Buhari’s burial are being handled by the federal government in coordination with his family. National flags remain at half-mast, as condolences continue to pour in from around the world.