Tinubu helped Buhari become president, Gowon and Bagudu say

Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, asserted that the late President Muhammadu Buhari and the current President Bola Tinubu had a mutually beneficial political alliance. Gowon noted that Buhari's support was instrumental in Tinubu's emergence as president, and Buhari later reciprocated by ensuring Tinubu succeeded him.

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This is something for which we must give President Buhari credit. He stood firmly behind President Tinubu so that he could continue serving Nigeria.

"This is something for which we must give President Buhari credit. He stood firmly behind President Tinubu so that he could continue serving Nigeria," Gowon stated at a gathering in Abuja commemorating the first anniversary of Buhari's death. Gowon also shared a personal anecdote, revealing that Buhari had helped him pay his children's school fees ten years after leaving office, highlighting Buhari's personal generosity and care for individuals.

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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.

Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, who served as Kebbi State Governor and Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum during Buhari's tenure, echoed these sentiments. Bagudu stated that Buhari dedicated his best efforts to his family and the nation, remaining steadfast in his commitment to Nigeria's unity. He added that Buhari had prayed for Tinubu to succeed him, a wish that was granted.

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Buhari had prayed that his brother, Tinubu, succeeds him, and Allah granted his wish.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Tinubu, described Buhari's life as unforgettable and stated that he had deeply impacted Nigeria's consciousness. Shettima recalled Tinubu directing him to personally attend to Buhari when he was ill in London, ensuring he lacked nothing. Shettima considered escorting Buhari's body back to Nigeria one of the greatest honors bestowed upon him by President Tinubu. Speaking in a personal capacity, Shettima reflected, "When you are in power, your friends know you. When you are out of power, you know your friends."

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He served with courage. He served with conviction and with a patriotism that never asked what the nation could return to him.