President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday unveiled a new biography of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, urging current and future leaders to combine personal integrity with strong institutions and effective systems to deliver lasting results.
The book, From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, authored by lawyer and public affairs analyst Dr. Charles Omole, was presented at a ceremony attended by members of the Buhari family, senior government officials, diplomats and former aides.
Speaking at the event, Tinubu described Buhari as a leader known for discipline, modesty and a deep sense of public trust, noting that integrity alone is not enough without structures that translate good intentions into outcomes.
“A leader’s integrity is a vital seed,” Tinubu said. “Only strong systems can make things happen. Public office is a trust, not a windfall.”
Tinubu said the book offers an honest account of Buhari’s life and presidency, highlighting both achievements and shortcomings, and should serve as a learning tool rather than political propaganda.
The president also reflected on his political journey with Buhari, recalling their alliance that led to the historic 2015 election victory that unseated an incumbent government.
At the book launch at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Omole said the book was written to present “the man Muhammadu Buhari,” shaped by early life experiences, personal discipline and values, rather than focusing narrowly on policy debates.
He said the biography reveals internal power struggles during Buhari’s presidency and underscores how unelected interests can obstruct reforms.
“One of the lessons from Buhari’s record is that personal honesty must be backed by systems — procurement rules, transparent accounts and clear succession planning,” Omole said.
He added that the Buhari family placed no restrictions on the content of the book, allowing full editorial independence.
