Public outrage has followed revelations attributed to former First Lady, Dr. Aisha Buhari, in a newly released biography of her late husband, former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The book, From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, authored by Dr. Charles Omole, details alleged internal tensions, family influence, and governance challenges during Buhari’s eight-year tenure.
Critics argue the disclosures are ill-timed, posthumously casting aspersions without giving the late president a chance to respond.
In the biography, Aisha Buhari claims she resisted efforts by a powerful Aso Rock cabal, including relatives and associates, to push her and her children out of the Presidential Villa. She alleged some individuals exploited Buhari’s closeness with family and friends to manipulate him, undermining administration policies. She noted: “They tried to push everybody out, including me. This is my house. You can live wherever you like, but you cannot be in charge of my husband’s office and then also be in charge of me, his wife, inside my house.”
Reactions from political figures and the public have been largely critical. Former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai urged restraint, stressing Buhari’s legacy should be left to history, while former minister Isa Ali Pantami condemned posthumous accusations. Commentators and social media users warned the book risks reopening settled issues rather than promoting reflection.
Comparisons with past First Ladies, including Turai Yar’Adua and Mariam Abacha, highlight that such public indictments of deceased spouses remain uncommon.