As Nigerians continue to mourn the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a wave of controversy has erupted online following harsh criticism directed at the late leader. While tributes have poured in from political allies, family, and heads of state, many Nigerians have taken to social media to express dissatisfaction with his legacy—prompting sharp reactions from close associates like Farouk Aliyu.
Aliyu, a former Minority Leader in the House of Representatives and long-time ally of Buhari, appeared on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program on Monday, July 15, to address the online backlash. He described the attacks on Buhari’s character and legacy as “unfortunate,” urging Nigerians to exercise restraint even in their criticism.
“Yes, President Buhari had his shortcomings like every leader does. But to rain insults on him in death is not only unfair—it’s deeply unpatriotic,” Aliyu said during the broadcast.
The late president, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, in a London hospital at the age of 82, had a long and polarising career in Nigerian politics. Serving first as a military ruler in the 1980s and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, Buhari left behind a mixed legacy that continues to spark national debate.
Nigerians Compare Buhari to Yar’Adua
Interestingly, many Nigerians have drawn comparisons between Buhari and another late president—Umaru Musa Yar’Adua—who also hailed from Katsina State and was a Muslim and Fulani. Yar’Adua, who served from 2007 until his death in 2010, is still fondly remembered by many citizens despite his short time in office.
Online users have praised Yar’Adua’s humility, his efforts toward electoral reform, and his public apology to Nigerians over the excesses of past governments. In contrast, Buhari has been heavily criticised for failing to fix the healthcare system, allegedly fostering division, and what some perceive as selective justice during his anti-corruption crusade.
“Even if you don’t like a man, respect the dead,” one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote.
“Yar’Adua ruled for just two years but left a legacy that Buhari could not match in eight,” another added.
Femi Adesina’s Statement Adds Fuel to the Fire
The public outrage intensified further when Femi Adesina, Buhari’s former spokesperson, made comments defending the ex-president’s frequent medical trips to the UK. Adesina argued that if Buhari had chosen to prove a point by using Nigeria’s under-equipped hospitals instead of seeking care abroad, he might not have survived long enough to finish his tenure.
“You need to be alive first before making a statement. If he insisted on using Nigerian hospitals just to appear patriotic, he probably wouldn’t be here today,” Adesina said.
The comment, while meant to justify Buhari’s medical tourism, backfired online, as Nigerians cited it as proof of leadership failure. Critics argued that instead of defending the decision, Adesina should have acknowledged the opportunity Buhari had to revamp the health sector over his eight years in power.
“You were president for eight years. You had a chance to fix it. If our hospitals worked, you wouldn’t need London,” a post on X read.
National Mourning Continues Amid Mixed Legacy
Despite the criticism, Buhari is receiving full state honours. President Bola Tinubu ordered all national flags to fly at half-mast for seven days, while world leaders and Nigerian governors continue to issue condolence messages praising Buhari’s efforts in public service, discipline, and security.
However, the contrasting reactions have spotlighted the deep divide in public perception of Buhari’s rule. While allies like Farouk Aliyu call for respect in death, many Nigerians insist that critical reflection is necessary to avoid repeating past mistakes.
As the nation prepares for Buhari’s final burial rites in Daura, Katsina State, one thing is clear: his legacy remains as complex in death as it was in life.
