By Abdulhamid Al-Gazali
My close friend, Engr. Abubakar Gambo, and I have always shared many interests, whether in business, personal values, or hobbies. One of the strongest bonds between us has been our deep admiration for the late President Muhammadu Buhari. Over the years, we realized that our appreciation for him stemmed from a common experience: Buhari reminded us of the men who raised us, Alhaji Idrissa Gambo and Prof. M. Nur Alkali, both of blessed memory.
Having spent their later years very close to our fathers, we came to understand their character, values, and outlook on life. Whenever we watched Buhari, we instinctively interpreted his actions through the lens of what our fathers would likely have done in similar circumstances. His reserved nature, measured silence, disciplined body language, understated humor, and calm demeanor all reflected qualities we had known firsthand.
Like them, Buhari embodied a form of masculinity that went far beyond physical strength or social status. True masculinity, in our understanding, is not about dominance or appearances. It is about mastering one’s desires, exercising self-control, accepting responsibility, and remaining accountable for one’s actions.
Buhari was, in many ways, a simple man, yet that very simplicity made him difficult for many people to understand. His modest lifestyle often puzzled those who equated success with extravagance.
Despite occupying the highest offices and enjoying immense privilege, he consistently chose simplicity over luxury.
Nearly every account written about him highlighted his austere lifestyle. Many found it difficult to understand why someone with unlimited access to wealth and comfort would deliberately reject excess. The answer, perhaps, lies in his contentment.
Buhari appeared completely comfortable with who he was. He neither felt inadequate nor sought external validation. People who struggle with feelings of inadequacy often attempt to fill that void with expensive cars, grand houses, designer clothes, titles, or positions. Buhari seemed to need none of these. To him, such possessions were merely tools, not measures of personal worth. They existed to serve a purpose, not to define a person.
It is understandable that many people disliked Buhari, but I often feel they misunderstood him. Some pursued the very things he deliberately avoided, believing wealth, influence, or power would bring fulfillment, only to discover that the emptiness remained. Ironically, Buhari appeared indifferent to these things, yet they came to him.
Many assumed his pursuit of political office was driven by ambition or personal gain. I believe otherwise. He seemed to view leadership as an opportunity to contribute rather than accumulate. While many sought power to take, he appeared to seek it in order to serve. Others manipulated the system through money, violence, or political maneuvering. Buhari relied largely on the trust and confidence many Nigerians placed in him.
He sought neither approval nor validation. He lived according to his own convictions. Rather than deriving honor from the offices he occupied, many would argue that his personal integrity elevated those offices.
His critics often attempted to tarnish his legacy by alleging that corruption flourished under his watch through relatives or political appointees. For many supporters, however, Buhari’s personal reputation for honesty remained unquestioned. Some found it difficult to believe that a public figure could remain personally incorruptible, and in their frustration sought to reduce him to the level of those they considered typical politicians.
My father once gave me advice that has remained with me throughout my life: “It is easy to be arrogant, hot-tempered, or dishonest. Anyone can become those things without effort. If you truly want to be valuable, strive to be honest, patient, accountable, and kind.” Those virtues require discipline, and not everyone is willing to cultivate them.
That lesson reminds me of a humorous family mediation years ago. A husband constantly described himself with negative labels, proudly calling himself wicked, senseless, or a former motor park tout. One day, his wife jokingly welcomed him home using one of the same descriptions he regularly used for himself.
Instead of laughing, he became deeply offended. It took weeks to reconcile them. I advised him that if he insisted on defining himself publicly, he should choose words such as honest, patient, or kind instead.
In many ways, I believe Buhari’s critics faced a similar contradiction. They admired certain qualities but could not replicate them, so they sought instead to diminish the man who embodied them. Yet even after his passing, his legacy continues to inspire debate and reflection.
Buhari’s remarkable 82-year journey should encourage all of us to dream boldly and work diligently. Life is filled with opportunities created by a generous God. We should strive for success, influence, and achievement, provided we never allow those pursuits to consume our hearts.
His death reminds us that life is temporary, but that reality should not discourage ambition. Rather, it should inspire us to use our limited time wisely. Many people live long lives without leaving any meaningful impact. Buhari, regardless of differing opinions about his presidency, undeniably left an enduring mark on Nigeria’s history.
Following his passing, much discussion has focused on who might inherit his political following. Personally, that question interests me less than another: Who will become the next leader defined by discipline, integrity, order, and fear of God? That is the conversation worth having.
As my father often reminded me, every generation bears the responsibility of preparing honorable, capable, and responsible men and women who will guide society, protect the vulnerable, and lead with integrity.
Over the past four decades, Buhari stood as one of the few Nigerian leaders widely associated with personal discipline, trustworthiness, and unwavering principles rooted in faith.
Our greatest responsibility is not merely to preserve his memory but to raise future generations who embody even greater integrity, compassion, and commitment to public service.
May Allah forgive President Muhammadu Buhari, admit him into the highest ranks of Jannatul Firdaus, and grant us the wisdom and strength to raise even better generations. Allahumma Aamin.