By Halima Abdulazeez
The announcement of former President General Muhammadu Buhari’s passing on July 13, 2025, sparked widespread reactions across Nigeria. This news, previously fabricated by mischievous elements, laid bare the enduring impact of misinformation, a phenomenon that shaped much of Buhari’s public life.
Indeed, it is disheartening that even before his death, a segment of the populace clung to misconceptions about his well-being. Such contradictions defined his legacy: the former president evoked strong emotions, with immense admiration from supporters coexisting alongside intense opposition that often overshadowed his achievements. Critics fought tooth and nail to undermine his political career, yet his popularity remained undeniable, evident in the widespread practice of naming children after him—a trend unlikely to be surpassed anytime soon. Like any leader, he was not without flaws, struggling at times to meet the sky-high expectations that accompanied both his initial election and re-election.
Those expectations were rooted in history. General Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in as president on May 29, 2015, after a landslide victory over the incumbent, former President Goodluck Jonathan. As Abraham Lincoln aptly observed, *“The truth is generally more wonderful than fiction.”* Yet, in Buhari’s case, the line between truth and fiction is often blurred, demonstrating how perception, rather than reality, can become the ultimate predictor of a leader’s success—or failure.
This dissonance between perception and reality persisted until the end. While death serves as the final equalizer, public memory remains inherently subjective. Buhari lived to the age of 82, experiencing a life that, by many measures, fulfilled Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs—yet his legacy remains fiercely debated.
Why did such polarized narratives thrive? Perhaps his strategists overemphasized the singular appeal of his integrity, leaving room for unchecked counter-narratives to proliferate. Compounding this was the pervasive influence of social media, which transformed the democratization of information into a weapon against his reputation. Public perception, fluid by nature, turned decisively against him following major societal upheavals: the #EndSARS protests of October 2020, controversial economic policies like border closures, and relentless inflation eroded his political capital.
Still, to judge Buhari solely by his shortcomings would be unjust. For some Nigerians, his flaws were as glaring as his legacies, and they deserve recognition. The Presidency Office of Digital Engagement (PODE) 2021 meticulously documented his achievements, including the reconstructed Akanu Ibiam International Airport runway, the landmark Second Niger Bridge, and the long-delayed completion of the Zik Mausoleum in Anambra State. These projects, among others, stand as tangible proof of his administration’s impact.
Yet leadership, especially in a nation as complex as Nigeria, defies simple appraisal. The very fact that some citizens believed his death might alleviate their hardships speaks volumes about the emotional weight of governance. Governing is not merely about policies; it is about the hopes and frustrations of millions.
In the end, perhaps Nelson Mandela’s wisdom applies: *“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”* Muhammadu Buhari, now returned to his Creator, leaves behind a contested but indelible mark. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen
Halima Abdulazeez is a poet, advocate for free expression, Treasurer of PEN International Nigeria, Communication Strategist for the Caprecon Foundation, and a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Lagos. She lives in Lagos and can be reached at +234-8034816865 or umuhfaisal@gmail.com.