‘No Forged Signature, Buhari Personally Signed Documents’, New Book Reveals

A new book on the life and presidency of late former President Muhammadu Buhari has dismissed long-standing allegations that official documents were signed on his behalf without his knowledge.

The author of the book insisted that Buhari personally signed all documents during his time in office.

The book, ‘From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari’, written by Dr Charles Omole, the director general of the Institute for Police and Security Policy Research (IPSPR), was presented in Abuja on Monday.

According to the book, claims that a “Presidential stamp” was used to authorise documents in Buhari’s absence were unfounded, stressing that no such stamp existed and that the former President personally signed documents by hand.

The publication revisits rumours that swirled around Buhari’s inner circle, particularly allegations involving his former Private Secretary, Tunde Sabiu, who was widely portrayed as an influential gatekeeper within the Presidency.

Omole, citing accounts from close aides, including former Chief Security Officer to the President, Bashir Abubakar Idris, stated that Buhari remained firmly in control of decision-making and documentation throughout his presidency.

“There was no stamp. Buhari signed the documents himself, with a pen. That is the simple fact,” the book states.

The book, however, acknowledges that rumours circulated alleging that forged signatures resembling Buhari’s were once shown to him.

According to the account, the former President was surprised by the claims but declined to act without concrete evidence, consistent with his long-held principle of demanding proof rather than acting on allegations.

It further explains that as Private Secretary, Sabiu’s role involved receiving, logging and transmitting documents to and from the President’s office after Buhari had taken decisions on them. This position, the book notes, naturally made him a central figure in the flow of official paperwork.

“Anybody who controls the flow of documents can, one way or another, influence outcomes,” Idris was quoted as saying, adding that delays in processing memos by aides could fuel suspicions of access trading, even when no direct evidence existed.

The book maintains that while delays and prioritisation of documents may have occurred within the system, there was no proof that Buhari’s signature was forged or that presidential authority was usurped.

It also highlights Buhari’s leadership style, describing him as disciplined, humorous in private, and deeply committed to rules. One anecdote recalls the former President insisting on stopping at traffic lights at night, even when security operatives could have cleared the road.

“Respect the lights,” Buhari was quoted as saying.

The book concluded that Buhari remained the final authority in government, acting decisively when presented with evidence and refusing to sanction individuals based on rumours or unproven claims.