The official book chronicling the life and times of former President Muhammadu Buhari is slated for public unveiling on November 19 in Abuja, presenting a comprehensive three-part look into his personal background, military milestones, political evolution, and presidential tenure.
Titled The Making of Muhammadu Buhari: The Authorised Biography, the book was written by scholar and researcher Udo Yakubu and published by May Publishing Limited.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday ahead of the presentation, Yakubu said the book was the product of more than two years of research, interviews, writing and verification.
He said it traced Buhari’s journey from his childhood in Daura, Katsina State, through his military career and emergence as a leading opposition figure to his election as president in 2015.
Buhari served as military Head of State from 1983 to 1985 before returning to politics and eventually winning the presidency in 2015. He served two terms until 2023.
The biography is divided into three volumes. The first, The Phenomenon, examines his family background, childhood, military career, participation in the Civil War, detention and political struggles before his emergence as president.
The second volume, The Presidency, examines his administration between 2015 and 2023, including the decisions, personalities, challenges and crises that shaped his government.
The third, The Reckoning, assesses his legacy in areas such as security, the economy, infrastructure, anti-corruption, governance, foreign affairs and national cohesion.
Yakubu said although the book was authorised by Buhari, the arrangement did not compromise his independence as a biographer.
He acknowledged that the former president remained a divisive figure, with supporters praising his discipline and integrity while critics questioned his economic decisions and leadership style.
He said the biography examined both achievements and failures, drawing on interviews with former ministers, presidential advisers, military officers and civil servants.
“There are passages that recognise achievement. There are others that examine failure. Some will please his admirers. Others will make them uncomfortable,” he said.
Earlier, former Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, who chairs the book presentation committee, said the event would provide an opportunity to reflect on Buhari’s place in Nigeria’s history and preserve the country’s collective memory.
He described Buhari as one of the country’s most prominent political figures, whose career spanned military rule, democratic transitions and two terms as an elected president.
What You Should Know
A newly published authorized biography titled The Making of Muhammadu Buhari: The Authorised Biography offers an in-depth, three-volume look into the life and presidency of the late leader. Written by researcher Udo Yakubu after over two years of investigation, the book explores Buhari’s humble beginnings in Daura, his military days, and his time as head of state and democratically elected president.
- Positive Impact: The book provides deep historical documentation and preserves collective national memory, offering researchers and citizens verified insights into a crucial chapter of Nigerian governance.
- Potential Concerns: Because the biography evaluates both achievements and failures—covering security, economic policies, and governance—it addresses controversial issues that may provoke mixed reactions from the public and political observers.
