Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has appealed to Nigerians to allow the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari to rest in peace following the release of Buhari’s new biography, Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, authored by Charles Omole.
The book was recently unveiled at the State House in Abuja, with prominent figures including President Bola Tinubu and former First Lady Aisha Buhari in attendance. El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State during Buhari’s presidency from 2015 to 2023, said the publication has stirred strong emotions and revived divisions among Buhari’s former inner circle.
In a statement on his X account, El-Rufai argued that the book launch reflected existing factional divides, with one group prominently represented while others close to Buhari were excluded. He warned that many of the claims attributed to Buhari in the book appear one-sided and unfair, especially since Buhari is no longer alive to respond.
“I have not yet read the book, Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, and it is possible that some media reports lack context,” El-Rufai said. “However, many of the so-called revelations attributed to the late president appear one-sided and unfair, especially as he is no longer alive to respond. Explaining the thoughts and motivations of a complex leader through selective anecdotes risks distorting, rather than preserving, his legacy.”
El-Rufai also expressed concern about what he described as “faked” tributes at the book launch by some long-time critics of Buhari who now hold government positions. He recalled that these same individuals, who once blamed Buhari’s administration for Nigeria’s problems, now seem eager to rewrite history.
He found it unsettling to witness people praising Buhari after his death despite lacking his trust or respect while he was alive.
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