Aisha Buhari speaks on Buhari leadership choices
Former First Lady Aisha Buhari has said that her late husband, former President Muhammadu Buhari, placed the wrong people in key positions and failed to change them throughout his eight years in office because he feared being labelled a dictator. She made the statement while reflecting on leadership, governance, and the challenges faced during Buhari’s administration.
Aisha Buhari explained that some individuals entrusted with sensitive responsibilities did not perform as expected, and their continued stay in office affected governance outcomes. She said her husband was deeply concerned about public perception and criticism, especially accusations of authoritarianism, which made him reluctant to make sweeping changes even when it became clear that certain appointments were not working in the best interest of the country.
According to her, this fear of being misunderstood or unfairly judged limited decisive actions that could have improved efficiency within government. She noted that leadership sometimes requires difficult decisions, including replacing officials who fail to deliver, regardless of how such actions may be perceived politically or publicly.
Her comments have sparked renewed debate about Buhari’s presidency, with Nigerians revisiting discussions around appointments, loyalty, performance, and accountability in government. Many analysts say her remarks offer rare insight into internal challenges faced during the administration and have reopened conversations about leadership style and the cost of inaction in public office.
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