How Buhari and I built a coalition that removed an incumbent president — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has recounted how he and the late former President Muhammadu Buhari forged a political alliance that led to the defeat of an incumbent president in the 2015 general election.

Tinubu disclosed this on Monday while speaking at the launch of Buhari’s official biography, From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

According to the president, the coalition formed ahead of the 2015 polls united diverse political interests across the country and ultimately ended the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

“Together, we built a broad coalition, campaigned across the country, and proved that Nigeria could chart a new course,” Tinubu said.

“Our movement united diverse interests and achieved a historic victory in 2015 by unseating an incumbent president, thus reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape.”

Tinubu noted that the alliance, which later crystallised into the All Progressives Congress (APC), has continued to grow since its formation in 2014.

“The coalition we built in 2014 is now the fastest-growing political party in Africa today. Its growth continues,” he added.

While reflecting on Buhari’s leadership, Tinubu said his predecessor left behind a legacy defined by integrity, discipline and simplicity.

“President Muhammadu Buhari left behind a reputation for integrity, a spartan lifestyle, and the belief that public office is a trust and not a windfall,” he said.

The president also highlighted security, vision and social justice as key pillars of Buhari’s legacy, noting that the former leader invested in strengthening the armed forces and pursued reforms aimed at long-term national stability.

“President Buhari preferred simplicity over ornamentation. He believed that a leader must first discipline himself before he can discipline a system,” Tinubu stated.

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