PHILIP OBIN
With deep sorrow, I join millions of Nigerians and admirers around the world to mourn the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari. His death marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s political history. To the Buhari family, the people of Daura, Katsina State, and indeed all Nigerians — especially the millions of Buharists across the world — I extend my heartfelt condolences.
Buhari wasn’t just a man; he was a movement, a phenomenon, and a symbol of certain values — integrity, modesty, discipline, national service, patience, resilience, and leadership with moral clarity. Nigeria has lost one of its most iconic political figures, and national politics may never be the same again.
*A NATIONWIDE POLITICAL GIANT WITH CULT-LIKE FOLLOWERSHIP*
From his first foray into democratic politics in 2003, Muhammadu Buhari built one of the most loyal, organic political bases Nigeria has ever seen. Despite never being backed by the establishment in his earlier contests, Buhari consistently polled and an average of *11 million votes* in the presidential elections he contested — a feat unmatched by any Nigerian politician, dead or alive.
*Let’s take a quick look:*
*2003:* Buhari (ANPP) scored *12,710,022* votes — defeated by Obasanjo (PDP) who had *24.4 million.* Allegations of massive rigging and electoral malpractice were widespread.
*2007:* Buhari (ANPP) got *6,605,299* votes, while Yar’Adua (PDP) had *24.6 million.* Even Yar’Adua admitted the process and election that gave him victory was deeply flawed.
*2011:* Running under CPC, Buhari got *12,214,853* votes, against Jonathan’s *22.4 million.* Again, local and international observers reported irregularities, especially in the South-East and South-South.
*2015:* Buhari (APC) finally won with *15,424,921* votes, defeating incumbent Jonathan with *12,853,162* — marking the first time an opposition candidate unseated a sitting president in Nigeria.
*2019:* He was re-elected with *15,191,847* votes against Atiku Abubakar’s *11,262,978.*
What made Buhari unique was his ability to command massive trust, especially from Northern Nigeria. He was perceived as incorruptible, humble, accessible, and deeply patriotic. The man lived modestly. His image as *Mai Gaskiya* (The Honest One) was not just branding — it was belief!
*THE ESTABLISHMENT BARRIER: WHY BUHARI STRUGGLED BEFORE 2015*
Many political observers agree that Buhari actually “won” more than one election before 2015 — in terms of genuine popularity and voter numbers — but was repeatedly rigged out. This was mainly due to:
*1. A corrupt and opaque electoral system* — which lacked credible voter verification, reliable collation methods, and digital safeguards.
*2. Lack of support from Nigeria’s political establishment* — the so-called *owners of Nigeria*, including retired generals, traditional power brokers, and economic elites.
*3. Southern political resistance* — especially in the South-East and South-South, where Buhari’s popularity was very low pre-2015 due to misperceptions about his religious or ethnic leanings.
It wasn’t until the *2013 merger of CPC, ACN, ANPP and part of APGA to form the APC,* backed by key figures like Bola Tinubu and Rotimi Amaechi, that Buhari got establishment backing and the nationwide machinery to win.
This is a clear lesson for newer popular candidates like Dr. Peter Obi — *elections are not won by popularity alone. You may win and still “fail” — not be declared winner — if the establishment isn’t with you. This applies globally!*
*BUHARI’S LEGACY AND IMPACT ON NIGERIAN POLITICS*
Buhari’s long political journey, especially his victory in 2015, changed Nigeria forever:
*He proved that a perceived outsider could win if supported by a national coalition.*
*He exposed the limits of rigging, especially with improved systems like card readers, introduced under Jega.*
His presidency deepened North-South power rotation debates.
His austere lifestyle, compared to the flamboyance of past leaders, left a lasting impression on millions.
Even those who disagreed with his policies respected his personal discipline and sense of duty. *Till death, even his hardest critics who called all unprintable names couldn’t find the courage to call him a thief.*
*THE FUTURE: COULD YUSUF BUHARI STEP INTO HIS FATHER’S SHOES?*
Nigeria is a sentimental country. The Buhari name still carries enormous weight in the North and among conservatives nationwide. *If Yusuf Muhammadu Buhari can:*
*Carry himself with humility and dignity;*
*Engage Nigerians actively and transparently;*
*Build relationships and coalitions across regions;*
*Stay away from scandal and reckless display of wealth;*
*Champion youth-focused and value-driven causes;*
*…then he has a real chance to emerge as a formidable leader in the coming years, and may enjoy the love, organic followership and support his late father did.*
If Yusuf runs in 2031 or even earlier for lower office (like Senate or Governor), he will enjoy sympathy votes, legacy support, and the political goodwill of his father — provided he builds his own credibility.
*The political class is watching. The masses are hopeful. His next steps matter!*
If he waits for too long, the fire dies down and it will be more difficult to rekindle it.
*But a word of advice to the family:* Not everyone who comes with a political “adoption” plan means well. Buhari’s family should choose alliances carefully and avoid being used as political pawns, especially as politicians get desperate for 2027 presidential elections.
*IN CONCLUSION*
Buhari is gone, but *Buharism — the ideals of patriotism, discipline, simplicity, and grassroots loyalty — lives on.* Whether history judges him kindly or not, there is no denying that Nigeria’s political landscape has been permanently altered by the man from Daura.
It was—and remains—a great honour and privilege to have served Nigeria under the Buhari-Osinbajo administration. I’m deeply grateful to Laolu Akande, OON, and our boss, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, for the opportunity.
Farewell to a soldier, a statesman, a patriot, and a symbol of hope to millions.
– Philip Obin is a Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Digital Economy and Technical Assistant on New Media to former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN, GCON (2019 – 2023).