As Nigeria continues to mourn the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, tributes have poured in from across political divides. One of the more striking came from opposition figure Dr. Sani Dowop, the Publicity Secretary, Action Democracy Party, ADP, shared his reflections on Buhari’s legacy during a special interview on Global Television.
Joining the conversation remotely, Dr. Sani Dowop explained his absence from Daura, Katsina State, where the Fidau prayer was held. “I had other prior commitments, but I’ve been there in spirit,” he said. He expressed condolences to Buhari’s family, the people of Daura, and the government of Nigeria. “May Allah accept his soul and grant him eternal rest,” he prayed.
“Buhari Was a Product of Struggle and Opposition”
Responding to questions about how Buhari was perceived by opposition politicians, Dr. Sani Dowop remarked: “Buhari himself is a product of opposition. He didn’t become president on a platter of gold. He paid the price and worked hard to earn it.”
He recalled how Buhari, after his military career, embraced democracy, becoming a key opposition figure before winning the 2015 election. “By the time he passed on, he had become a complete democrat in all ramifications,” Dr. Doo said, noting that Buhari allowed the registration and existence of opposition parties during his tenure.
Human Rights Concerns, Press Freedom, and Missteps
However, Dr. Sani Dowop, acknowledged the criticisms Buhari faced, particularly concerning press freedom and the perceived shrinking of civil space. He admitted that certain actions by government agencies, including arrests of journalists and the temporary suspension of Twitter in Nigeria, raised concerns.
“There were instances where journalists were allegedly barred or harassed, but from my understanding, many of those actions were not directly ordered by Buhari himself,” he explained. “Sometimes, security agencies act overzealously without clearance, and even media aides may be unaware. Buhari was an avid newspaper reader; he read extensively, even till his last days.”
He cited examples where the presidency reportedly reversed media-related decisions once brought to the president’s attention.
Selective Anti-Corruption Fight?
Dr. Sani Dowop also addressed the long-standing allegation that Buhari’s anti-corruption war was selective. Critics frequently point to the prosecution of opposition figures such as Olisa Metuh and Sambo Dasuki while seeming to ignore cases involving allies within the ruling party.
Dr. Sani Dowop defended the former president, saying: “Anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC, ICPC, and Code of Conduct Bureau were not created by Buhari. They have legal independence. While some might feel targeted, there’s no evidence that Buhari personally directed selective prosecutions.”
He pointed to Buhari’s removal of a member of his own cabinet, Babachir Lawal, over a corruption-related issue, as proof that the president did not shield allies.
Allegations of Nepotism and Northern Bias
On the controversial issue of appointments during Buhari’s tenure, often accused of favouring the North, Dr. Sani Dowop, argued that demographic realities must be considered.
“Let’s be fair: the North has a larger population. Naturally, that reflects in political representation. However, I believe there could have been better balancing in appointments to promote national unity,” he noted.
As the nation continues to reflect on the life and times of Muhammadu Buhari, voices will continue to reflect on the complexity of his legacy, one marked by military discipline, democratic transition, contentious policies, and undeniable influence on Nigeria’s political trajectory.
Ubong Usoro for Nigeria Magazine
