Garba Shehu, former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has admitted that Buhari’s leadership style was slow but explained that it was a result of his commitment to democratic principles.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News Tuesday night, Shehu said Buhari’s transformation from a former military ruler to a civilian president came with a deliberate choice to follow due process and avoid the use of force or shortcuts.
“Was he slow? Yes. Even he joked about it. But as a democrat, he believed in following the law,” Shehu said.
He explained that unlike his time as a military head of state in the 1980s, Buhari as a civilian president insisted on sticking to democratic procedures, even when Nigerians expected quick decisions and fast results.
“Buhari said he used to act on impulse, ordering people locked up. But this time, he chose to obey the law. Nigerians are impatient, but he wanted to do things the right way,” Shehu added.
Many Nigerians have criticised Buhari’s eight-year tenure for poor economic policies, rising insecurity, and worsening poverty. Some believe his administration laid the foundation for the current economic crisis.
However, Shehu defended the former president, saying Buhari was more aware of national issues than many assumed. “He may have been the most informed president Nigeria has ever had,” he claimed.
Buhari, who defeated incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC), became the first opposition leader to win the presidency in Nigeria’s history.
Despite criticism over his leadership style and legacy, Shehu insists that Buhari remained focused, law-abiding, and deliberately stayed away from media showmanship.
“Buhari let his work speak for him,” Shehu concluded.