Buhari Respected State Autonomy, Never Interfered in Local Politics,.Says APC Chieftain

A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Ayiri Emami, has extolled the late former President Muhammadu Buhari for his unwavering commitment to democratic principles, highlighting his non-interference in state-level politics during his presidency.

In a statement issued on Tuesday to mourn the former president who passed away on Sunday in a London hospital after a prolonged illness Emami described Buhari as a rare breed among Nigerian leaders, noting that his leadership was marked by respect for the will of the people and institutional independence.

“President Buhari never interfered in the democratic processes at the subnational level. His approach allowed for opposition parties to freely contest and win elections in several states,” Emami stated. “Even in cases of electoral disputes, he allowed the courts to determine the outcomes without executive interference. That is a legacy of true democracy.”

Emami, who served as the Deputy Director of the Election Planning and Monitoring Committee for Buhari’s 2019 campaign, also emphasized that the former president remained loyal to his party, the APC, and supported his successor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, without imposing political decisions on state actors.

The traditional titleholder, who is the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom in Delta State, said Buhari’s hands-off approach fostered political inclusivity and bolstered trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.

According to him, this was evident in the peaceful conduct and credibility of several off-cycle elections held under Buhari’s administration.

“As a leader, Buhari’s refusal to meddle in state elections was not weakness but strength. It demonstrated a deep understanding of democracy and a firm belief in the independence of institutions. That will be one of his most enduring legacies,” Emami concluded.

The APC stalwart called on current and future political leaders to emulate Buhari’s example by respecting democratic norms, upholding electoral integrity, and strengthening governance at all levels of the federation.