Fatima Buhari, daughter of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has explained why her father struggled to distance himself from his nephew and longtime associate, Mamman Daura, despite concerns about Daura’s influence during his presidency. She spoke at the presentation of a new book, From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, written by Dr Charles Omole, in Abuja on Monday.
According to Fatima, the bond between Buhari and Daura went beyond politics, rooted in close family ties and decades of shared history. “Mamman Daura’s father shared the same mother as my father,” she said. She added that Buhari was often aware of complaints against Daura but found it difficult to sever ties. “Baba will personally tell us that he did this, he did that to him, but he’s still with him,” she recalled.
The book also reveals that Daura maintained close access to Buhari during his detention after the 1985 coup, even when family members were barred. “We were not allowed to see him. Only Mamman had access,” Fatima said. She admitted the closeness had negative consequences, noting Buhari’s loyalty, religious convictions and preference for private corrections over public dismissals. “Before he realizes it, that person has committed many atrocities,” she said.