El-Rufai Urges Respect For Buhari’s Legacy

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has appealed to Nigerians to allow the late President Muhammadu Buhari to rest in peace, following the recent launch of a book about the former president’s life and legacy.

In a statement on his X handle, El-Rufai expressed concerns over the selective representation of Buhari’s legacy, saying factional lines and the presence of critics-turned-fanboys marred the event.

“Let us allow President Buhari to rest in peace,” El-Rufai urged. “The truest way to honour him is not through selective storytelling, or attempting to exhibit newfound love, but by upholding the values he embodied: simplicity, integrity, humility, and service to Nigeria with all he had.”

El-Rufai also questioned the motivations of some attendees, saying, “Those now invoking his name for self-justification should reflect on whether they can claim the same standards. President Buhari was a principled man who did not easily forget personal or political disrespect, and he made his preferences clear to those around him.”

He added, “Many of us who supported him expected much more from his civilian presidency. However, as someone who worked closely with him… I believe much of his administration’s shortcomings stemmed from the actions and failures of a powerful inner circle—relatives, advisers, and officials who did not always share his commitment to integrity and public service.”

The book launch, “Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari,” has sparked debate, with El-Rufai questioning the motivations behind the event and the narratives being presented.