A Legacy of Power and Resentment
In June 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari welcomed General Olusegun Obasanjo to the Villa. During their conversation, Obasanjo urged Buhari to forgive and forget past grievances. The president, taken aback, asked if that included Ibro. Obasanjo confirmed it, emphasizing that even Ibro should be forgiven. The exchange was tense, revealing the complex dynamics between Nigeria’s political leaders.
The reference to “Ibro” in this context points to General Ibrahim Babangida, a former military ruler. Buhari had sought Babangida’s endorsement before the 2015 election, and the latter had supported him publicly. However, there was no clear indication that Buhari intended to reconcile with his predecessors. The meeting ended without any overt commitment to peace or unity.
This event marked one of the earliest signs that Buhari’s presidency would be more than just about governance. It hinted at a deeper ambition to settle scores with those who had challenged his authority in the past. As a journalist, I observed how Buhari approached his role with a sense of entitlement, believing he deserved respect and reverence from the people.
Over the years, Buhari’s relationship with former leaders like Shehu Shagari became increasingly strained. Shagari, the first executive president of Nigeria, was overthrown by Buhari in 1983. When Shagari died in December 2018, Buhari did not attend his funeral or approve a state burial. This decision sparked criticism, particularly from Shagari’s family, who felt the former president was treated with disrespect.
A few days after the burial, Buhari visited the Shagari family and signed the condolence register. However, the page remained blank, raising questions about whether it was an oversight or a deliberate act of dishonor. This incident highlighted Buhari’s tendency to distance himself from those he viewed as enemies, even in death.
Babangida, on the other hand, was fortunate to have outlived Buhari. Had he passed away during Buhari’s presidency, it is likely that he would have faced similar treatment. Buhari’s actions suggested a pattern of retribution against those who had previously opposed him, reinforcing the idea that he saw himself as a victim of political intrigue.
Machiavelli once warned that leaders can make mistakes of ambition rather than sloth. Buhari exemplified both, yet managed to avoid consequences for his actions. His engagement with Nigeria reflected a deep sense of entitlement, where he believed he deserved reverence while offering little in return.
For decades, Nigerians looked to Buhari as a savior, expecting him to bring stability and change. Instead, his eight-year tenure was marked by disappointment. He failed to deliver on promises, leaving many citizens disillusioned. When he left office, he issued a warning to anyone who might question his actions, stating that those who dared to ask would face repercussions.
Buhari’s legacy is complex, filled with contradictions. While some praised his leadership, others criticized his failures and lack of accountability. His final days were marked by a grand farewell, with a national holiday declared in his honor. Yet, this celebration contrasted sharply with the treatment he had shown to his predecessors.
As Nigeria moves forward, the lessons from Buhari’s presidency remain relevant. His story serves as a reminder of the challenges of leadership and the importance of accountability. Whether seen as a successful charmer or a flawed leader, Buhari’s impact on Nigerian politics will not be easily forgotten.
