A new book has shed light on the reasons behind former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision not to publicly endorse a successor ahead of the 2023 presidential election. The book, titled “From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari,” provides insight into Buhari’s leadership approach and management of power within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the book, Buhari’s refusal to anoint a preferred candidate was a deliberate strategy to safeguard lives and maintain internal party cohesion. Yusuf Bichi, former Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), revealed that intelligence reports indicated that openly backing a candidate could expose them to grave security risks amid a highly competitive political atmosphere.
Bichi stated that Buhari’s silence was often misinterpreted as a lack of interest, but it was actually a security-driven strategy aimed at preventing internal crisis and possible disintegration within the ruling party. The former president believed that publicly naming a successor would heighten rivalries, increase hostility, and potentially place the endorsed individual in physical danger.
By allowing the primary process to play out freely, Buhari distributed political risk among aspirants and prevented the concentration of hostility on one individual. This approach, according to Bichi, helped to absorb criticism rather than risk destabilizing the party or endangering human life.
The book, authored by Dr. Charles Omole, Director General of the Institute for Police and Security Policy Research (IPSPR), was unveiled in Abuja and provides behind-the-scenes accounts of critical decisions taken during Buhari’s presidency. The 600-page work compiles reflections from senior officials who closely worked with the former president.
The book presentation attracted a high-profile audience, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Gambian President Adama Barrow, governors, ministers, diplomats, traditional rulers, and members of Buhari’s family. The revelation provides a new perspective on Buhari’s leadership style and his approach to managing power within the APC. The book’s release comes as Nigeria continues to navigate its complex political landscape, with the 2023 presidential election having marked a significant transition in the country’s leadership.
