By Sanni Abdullahi
DAURA, Katsina State — One year after the death of Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari, the weight of absence still hangs heavy in the Buhari household, with one of his sons, Yusuf Buhari releasing an emotion-laden tribute to mark the first anniversary of the statesman’s passing.
In a message shared on Monday, Yusuf remembered the late president not just as the soldier and politician who led Nigeria twice, but as a father whose personal values left the deepest imprint on his family.
“Not a single day has passed without missing your presence, your guidance, your prayers and the values you instilled in us,” the tribute read.
According to the late former President’s son: “While the world remembers you as a statesman and leader, we remember you as a loving father whose humility, discipline and faith shaped our lives. May Allah (SWT) continue to have mercy on your soul, Baba. Ameen.”
The tribute has since drawn wide reactions across social media and among Buhari’s supporters in Daura and beyond, many of whom describing it as a reflection of the private man behind the public office.
Muhammadu Buhari died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a London clinic at the age of 82 following a prolonged illness. His death was announced by the Presidency, with President Bola Tinubu directing Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to London to accompany the body back to Nigeria. He was later buried in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Buhari’s life spanned three distinct eras in Nigeria’s history. Born on December 17, 1942 in Daura, he first came to national prominence as a military officer and later ruled as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1983 to 1985.
Three decades later, he returned as a “converted democrat” and became the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president, winning the 2015 election and serving two terms until 2023.
Throughout his time in public office, Buhari cultivated an image built on austerity, discipline and anti-corruption. Supporters credited him with promoting simplicity and integrity, while critics pointed to challenges with the economy and security during his civilian administration.
President Tinubu, in his own tribute last year, described Buhari as “a patriot, a soldier, a statesman” who “stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity”.
For many in Daura, however, the anniversary is less about politics and more about family. Community members gathered at the Buhari residence on yesterday for prayers, while family, friends and political associates reflected on his legacy of “duty, discipline, and a remarkable consistency of purpose”.
The son’s tribute captured that duality — the gap between public memory and private grief. “The world remembers you as a statesman and leader,” he wrote, “we remember you as a loving father.”
As Nigeria marks one year without the former president, flags were not lowered this time, but the mood in Daura remained solemn. Prayers were offered for the repose of his soul, with many echoing the family’s closing prayer: “May Allah (SWT) continue to have mercy on your soul, Baba. Ameen.”
Buhari remains one of only two Nigerians to have ruled the country both as a military head of state and as a democratically elected president, a record that ensures his name will continue to feature in discussions about Nigeria’s political evolution for years to come.
