Former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has paid tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a political mentor and a leader whose life embodied resilience and dedication to Nigeria.
In a condolence message titled “Tribute to a mentor,” El-Rufai recalled Buhari’s distinguished service to the nation in times of both war and peace, and praised him for his steadfast commitment to Nigeria’s progress as a military officer, head of state and democratically elected president.
“He was rather taciturn but had a sense of humour,” El-Rufai noted. “He exuded a charm that connected him to ordinary people who cherished him as a symbol of integrity and as a man who could be trusted to stand by the people.”
El-Rufai highlighted Buhari’s political resilience, from his removal as military head of state in 1985 to returning as an elected president three decades later. He also noted Buhari’s pivotal role in forming the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013, which eventually defeated an incumbent president in 2015 — a historic first in Nigeria.
Reflecting on his own political journey, El-Rufai said:
“I had the privilege of working with him in the CPC, when he asked me to lead the CPC Renewal Committee after the 2011 elections. Our committee recommended merging with the ACN and other parties, which laid the foundation for victory in 2015.
“President Buhari was my political mentor. He nudged me to contest the governorship of Kaduna State, encouraged me by attending the flag-off of my campaign in November 2014 and supported me to victory.”
El-Rufai expressed gratitude for Buhari’s backing during his time as governor and for the open access the former president granted him, even when they occasionally disagreed on policy matters.
“May Allah grant him Aljannah Firdaus and comfort his family, especially his wife, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, and his children who have been such a formidable support,” he concluded.
