Table of Contents
- El-Rufai's Appeal for Peace
- The Biography Release
- Stirring Emotions and Divisions
- Concerns Over One-Sided Assertions
- Criticism of "Faked" Tributes
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has urged Nigerians to allow the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari to rest in peace.
El-Rufai made this appeal while responding to the claims and narratives presented in Buhari’s recently released biography, “Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari,” written by Charles Omole.
The book was launched a few days ago at the State House in Abuja, with prominent government officials and notable figures in attendance, including President Bola Tinubu and former First Lady Aisha Buhari.
El-Rufai served as governor of Kaduna State throughout Buhari’s presidency from 2015 to 2023.
According to the former governor, the publication has “stirred deep emotions and rekindled divisions among those who were once part of his inner circle.”
In a statement shared on his X account, El-Rufai contended that the perspectives of several individuals close to Buhari were overlooked in the book's presentation.
He stated: “After observing the headlines and images from the event, I felt it necessary to make a simple yet urgent appeal: let us allow President Buhari to rest in peace.
“A closer examination of those who dominated the book launch revealed the same factional divisions that existed during Buhari’s lifetime. One faction was prominently represented, while others, equally close to the late president, were marginalized.”
El-Rufai further pointed out that many of the claims associated with the late president were predominantly one-sided.
“I have not yet read the book, Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, and it is possible that some media reports lack context.
“However, many of the so-called revelations attributed to the late president seem one-sided and unjust, especially since he is no longer here to respond. Explaining the thoughts and motivations of a complex leader through selective anecdotes risks distorting, rather than preserving, his legacy,” he remarked.
He also expressed concern regarding what he termed “faked” tributes presented at the book launch by some long-time critics of Buhari who now hold positions in government.
El-Rufai recalled that these same individuals who once criticized Buhari’s administration for Nigeria’s challenges “now seem eager to rewrite history.”
He noted that it is disconcerting to witness people praising Buhari after his death despite not having his trust or respect while he was alive.
FAQs
What is the main appeal made by Nasir El-Rufai regarding Muhammadu Buhari?
Nasir El-Rufai has appealed to Nigerians to allow the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari to rest in peace, urging that the narratives in the recent biography should not stir divisions among his supporters.
What concerns did El-Rufai raise about the biography of Buhari?
El-Rufai expressed concerns that the biography contains one-sided assertions and overlooks the perspectives of several individuals close to Buhari, potentially distorting his legacy.
What criticism did El-Rufai have regarding the tributes at the book launch?
El-Rufai criticized the tributes given at the book launch, labeling them as “faked” by individuals who previously criticized Buhari but are now in government positions, suggesting they are attempting to rewrite history.


