Buhari Knew Nigerians Were Disappointed With His Tenure, Confesses Daughter

Halima Buhari, daughter of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has shed light on the private reflections of her late father, stating that he was conscious of the widespread criticism and dissatisfaction expressed by many Nigerians over his time in office.

She made the remarks on Wednesday, December 17, at the public unveiling of a book written by a former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. The event drew a high-profile audience, including past ministers, former governors, traditional leaders and key political figures.

According to Halima, the former president was fully aware that a significant number of Nigerians who placed great expectations on his administration, particularly in the areas of security and economic revival, felt disillusioned by the outcomes of his leadership.

She explained that Buhari often struggled with the realities of governing a diverse and challenging nation, where lofty public expectations frequently collide with institutional and practical constraints.

Describing the personal side of the former president, Halima said he bore the weight of leadership heavily and remained deeply conscious of the impact of his decisions on the lives of millions.

“Beyond the public image, there was a man who was human — at times weary, at times resolute, at times overwhelmed — but always aware that his choices affected an entire nation,” she said, adding that this side of him was rarely visible to the public.

She portrayed Buhari as a quiet and reflective individual who preferred listening to speaking and who internalised the country’s challenges. “I watched a man who often sat in silence, listening carefully. A man troubled by the safety of everyday Nigerians and distressed by the distance between promises made and realities faced,” she said. “To the nation, he was President Buhari; to us, he was simply our father.”

Halima further noted that leadership in Nigeria is complex and rarely clear-cut, often requiring difficult decisions and uncomfortable compromises. She emphasised that her father did not shut himself off from criticism or opposing opinions, noting that he remained aware of both the frustrations and the appreciation expressed by Nigerians during his tenure.

“He knew many believed more could have been achieved or that different choices should have been made,” she said. “He heard those who were unhappy, just as he heard from those who felt positively impacted.”

She concluded by stressing that the occasion was not meant to rewrite or defend her father’s record in office, adding that continued debate about his administration is a normal and necessary part of democratic engagement.