Buhari’s Biography Reveals Why He Respected Osinbajo’s Decisions and Avoided Naming a Successor
A newly released biography of former President Muhammadu Buhari offers a rare glimpse into the principles that guided his leadership, succession politics, and approach to governance. The 600-page book, From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, authored by Dr. Charles Omole, Director-General of the Institute for Police and Security Policy Research (IPSPR), was presented yesterday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The book features insights from former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, who sheds light on two of the most debated decisions during Buhari’s tenure: his refusal to publicly endorse a successor ahead of the 2022 All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, and his decision not to overturn actions taken by then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo while acting president.
Bichi explained that Buhari deliberately avoided naming a preferred successor to protect the individual from potential political and security risks. “In those months, knives were out; politically and, as security professionals know too well, sometimes literally,” Bichi said. By remaining silent, Buhari aimed to preserve party unity and prevent further destabilisation within the APC, even if it meant enduring criticism for being aloof. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ultimately won the party primary and later succeeded Buhari.
The biography also reveals Buhari’s approach to institutional governance. When Osinbajo, acting as president during Buhari’s medical leave, removed DSS Director-General Lawal Daura, Buhari chose not to reverse the decision. Bichi says the former president viewed any intervention as a threat to the legitimacy of the acting presidency and the chain of command. “Buhari considered any attempt to countermand that decision as injurious to institutional stability,” he noted, emphasizing that respect for constitutional authority was central to Buhari’s leadership style.
Bichi further highlights Buhari’s security philosophy, describing him as a leader who prioritized evidence, professional autonomy, and operational discretion over political theatrics. The former president avoided micromanaging security agencies, demanding accountability while trusting commanders to act within their remit. Buhari insisted that intelligence operations be grounded in verifiable facts before any action was taken, reflecting his commitment to law, discipline, and public trust.
Beyond governance and security, the book portrays Buhari as disciplined and frugal, wary of using state privileges for personal gain. He consistently resisted political pressure to target opponents, preferring to uphold law and institutional order rather than personalize power.
The biography presentation drew notable figures, including President Tinubu, Gambian President Adama Barrow, governors, ministers, diplomats, traditional rulers, and members of Buhari’s family. It paints a portrait of a leader whose restraint, tact, and strategic foresight shaped not only his party but also Nigeria’s political landscape.
