Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has stated that the civilian administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari did not meet the expectations of many of his supporters, attributing much of the administration’s shortcomings to a “powerful inner circle” of relatives, advisers, and officials.

El-Rufai made the comments in a statement titled “Let President Muhammadu Buhari Rest in Peace” on December 17, following the launch of a book on Buhari’s life and legacy, Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari.

According to El-Rufai, the book launch highlighted lingering divisions within Buhari’s inner circle, with certain factions prominently represented while others were excluded. He also criticised the choice of location and presentation of the event, suggesting these decisions may have served narrow interests rather than historical truth.

He expressed concern over the presence of some current office holders who had been outspoken critics of Buhari but appeared at the event to deliver glowing tributes, describing them as insincere. “These are individuals who once blamed his administration for nearly every challenge facing Nigeria, but who now appear eager to revise history,” he said.

Reflecting on Buhari’s legacy, El-Rufai stated, “President Buhari was far from perfect. Many of us who supported him expected much more from his civilian presidency.” Drawing on his long association with Buhari over more than a decade in opposition and governance roles, he argued that the administration’s failures were often due to the actions and inaction of those surrounding the president rather than Buhari himself.

Despite these criticisms, El-Rufai defended Buhari’s personal character, describing him as a man of faith, discipline, and patriotism. He warned that attempts to explain Buhari’s motivations through selective anecdotes risk distorting his legacy.

In closing, El-Rufai appealed to Nigerians across political divides to honour Buhari fairly. “The truest way to honour him is not through selective storytelling or newfound praise, but by upholding the values he embodied: simplicity, integrity, humility, and service to Nigeria,” he said.