Public affairs commentator Mahdi Shehu has issued a sharp critique of the legacy of former President Muhammadu Buhari, arguing that no number of books celebrating the late leader can erase what he describes as the painful and controversial aspects of his tenure. Shehu’s remarks come amid public debate following the unveiling of Buhari’s biography, From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, in Abuja — an event attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other dignitaries.
In his commentary, Shehu acknowledged the wave of publications seeking to contextualise Buhari’s eight-year presidency, but insisted that criticisms of his policies and leadership decisions are deeply ingrained in Nigeria’s collective memory. He maintained that while historical accounts and praise-oriented books provide insight, they cannot fully mask or soften the tangible hardships experienced under the administration.
The biography at the centre of the debate was presented as part of efforts to document Buhari’s contributions and provide researchers and the public with a detailed account of his political life and governance philosophy. Supporters of the book argue that it offers valuable lessons and preserves national history for future generations.
Shehu’s critique reflects a broader national conversation about how leaders are remembered, how historical narratives are shaped, and whether retrospective praise should outweigh lived experiences. His comments have resonated with Nigerians who continue to weigh the contradictory legacies of political figures in shaping the nation’s democratic and socioeconomic progress.
