Throughout Nigerian history, Muhammadu Buhari’s legacy will not be defined by an abundance of rhetoric but by his steadfast dedication to ensuring the welfare of the average citizen. His journey spans remarkable achievements, beginning in the chaos of the civil war and culminating in his presidency. Despite his health struggles during his final term, his administrative efforts were often undermined by adversaries within the National Assembly.
While battling illness, a network of power players attempted to control governance in Buhari’s stead. Nevertheless, he stood as a quiet protector, shielding the nation from economic crises and security issues that would later erupt significantly.
Amid declining health, his contributions to governance were robust. Buhari ended a 30-year deadlock over the Second Niger Bridge, rejuvenated the long- forgotten Itakpe-Warri rail line, and facilitated the introduction of the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge railway.
These were not mere unfulfilled promises but substantial accomplishments that bridged the divide between the North and South. Even from a hospital bed, his administration successfully championed the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and pushed forward the Kolmani Oil Field initiative, showing that a leader's vision can prevail over physical limitations.
Buhari's most notable distinction in leadership compared to the current administration lies in his cautious economic approach. He famously rejected calls to devalue the Naira or eliminate fuel subsidies immediately. For him, these measures were critical barriers that protected Nigerian families from falling into poverty.
By maintaining subsidies, he understood that the absence of functioning refineries would lead to an unaffordable spike in the cost of living, a situation currently facing Nigerians.
Through the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, Buhari rekindled a national focus on agriculture. By closing borders to imported rice, he compelled the nation towards self-sufficiency, ensuring that even in troubled times, Nigeria could tend to its own needs.
Buhari’s administration also worked to mitigate the threat posed by Boko Haram, averting international perceptions of Nigeria as a destabilized state. He managed to keep the insurgency localized, preventing it from undermining national stability and inviting external intervention that could exploit the crises.
Contrasted against today’s rampant kidnapping and banditry, which have become almost normalized burdens, Buhari’s firm military approach brought a sense of control that many citizens now reflect on with nostalgia.
Looking towards the economic landscape in 2026, where currency stability has been jeopardized, and the marginalized are increasingly vulnerable, the questions regarding administrative failures become profound:
1\. Did Buhari truly fail, a leader who, while battling serious health issues, still enacted the PIA, completed major infrastructure projects, and maintained food price stability?
2\. Were the obstructions fostered by the “Cabal” and the 8th National Assembly responsible for hindering national progress in the face of a sick leader?
3\. Does the current administration’s strategy - which has opened the economy to exploitation by the disadvantaged - reflect failure?
4\. How did Buhari manage to limit insecurity’s toll on lives and maintain a more cost-effective economy than today, despite facing serious health challenges?
5\. If a weakened president could offer protection to the populace, what justifications does a seemingly robust administration have for the current living conditions that are akin to a national crisis?
Buhari traversed challenging paths to reach the presidency, using his final capabilities to hold back economic decline. Today, however, that door to hardship is unlatched, leaving many dreams unfulfilled.
Thank you, Baba, for dedicating your years to public service. May you rest in peace.
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