Former Head of State lifts lid on political alliance that reshaped Nigeria’s leadership, as VP Shettima recalls emotional final moments with late president.
ABUJA — Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon dropped a political bombshell Monday, revealing that President Bola Tinubu was instrumental in propelling the late Muhammadu Buhari to the presidency and that Buhari repaid the debt in full by ensuring Tinubu succeeded him.
“The support Buhari received from Tinubu helped him emerge as president,” Gowon told a gathering in Abuja marking the first anniversary of Buhari’s death. “This is something for which we must give President Buhari credit. He stood firmly behind President Tinubu so that he could continue serving Nigeria.”
In a rare moment of personal disclosure, the 90-year-old former leader also revealed a private debt to Buhari, recalling how a decade after leaving office and struggling in the UK — he couldn’t afford his children’s school fees.
“I appealed to him, and he ensured that my family received assistance to pay those school fees. That was the kind of person he was. He cared for people,” Gowon said, pushing back against those who viewed Buhari as a sectional leader. “He governed for all Nigerians.”
‘Allah Granted His Wish’
Senator Atiku Bagudu, who served as Kebbi State Governor and Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum during Buhari’s tenure, confirmed the political reciprocity.
“Buhari had prayed that his brother, Tinubu, succeeds him, and Allah granted his wish,” Bagudu declared.
Shettima’s Emotional Tribute
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing Tinubu at the event, revealed a deeply personal moment: Tinubu had personally ordered him to fly to London when Buhari fell ill, instructing: “Ensure he lacks nothing.”
Shettima described the profound honor of later escorting Buhari’s body back to Nigeria on Tinubu’s behalf — “one of the greatest honours done to me by the president and the Buhari family.”
In his personal remarks, Shettima offered a poignant reflection on power and loyalty:
“When you are in power, your friends know you. When you are out of power, you know your friends.”
A Legacy in the Making
The Buhari family is now establishing the Muhammadu Buhari Foundation and Centre to document the late president’s contributions, according to former SGF Boss Mustapha.
Katsina State’s Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe described Buhari as belonging to “that rare generation of leaders whose personal integrity became synonymous with public service.”
Borno Governor Babagana Zulum recalled Buhari’s courage, visiting his embattled state “even at great security risk” during the peak of the insurgency.
The Gathering
The remembrance drew a who’s who of Nigeria’s political elite: former First Lady Hajia Aisha Buhari, the Ooni of Ife, former Senate President Ahmad Lawan, and governors including Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Abdulrazaq AbdulRahman (Kwara), and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi).
Gowon also congratulated Shettima on his nomination as Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 election — a signal of continuity in the alliance that has come to define Nigeria’s modern political landscape.
