Beyond politics: The enduring legacy of Tinubu and Buhari’s bond, by Jewel Ifunanya

I’ve been writing this post since Tuesday —pausing often as waves of emotion overcame me. This isn’t just a tribute. It’s the story of a friendship that went beyond politics, beyond power, beyond this world. A friendship that seemed sealed with something far deeper than words—almost like an oath.

This is how you honour a friend. This is how you say goodbye to a brother.

From the very beginning, I always said that President Tinubu and Buhari shared a bond that was unshakable. Not even the likes of Atiku Abubakar, Yemi Osinbajo, Amechi or Ahmad Lawan could come between them. Their alliance, forged back in February 2013, wasn’t just strategic—it was spiritual. It defied the odds and withstood years of political storms.

In fact, I sometimes feel even their wives didn’t fully understand the depth of their bond.

Many anticipated Buhari would endorse a consensus candidate during the primaries but he remained silent. Politicians misinterpreted his silence as endorsement, only to be surprised when Buhari insisted on primary elections, setting the stage for a different outcome.

During the presidential primaries, Tinubu, sensing a potential strain in their bond, subtly reminded Buhari of their long-standing relationship. Though a man of few words, Buhari understood the message clearly.

Then came the presidential election. In a rare and symbolic gesture, Buhari voted early and proudly displayed his ballot to the world—undoubtedly cast for his close friend.

That single act spoke volumes. It reassured his loyal supporters and played a decisive role in rallying them to vote for President Tinubu.

I could go on and on…

President Tinubu gave him the highest honour—an extraordinary tribute worthy of his legacy. The funeral was not just dignified; it was historic. Never before has the nation witnessed such a profound display of respect, loyalty, and national gratitude.

Let’s rewind to just last week. When President Tinubu received news of the declining health of his bosom friend, former President Buhari, he didn’t hesitate. In a swift and compassionate move, he dispatched Vice President Shettima to personally visit Buhari. Shettima spent two full days by his bedside, offering comfort, solidarity, and the nation’s presence in those final moments.

From beginning to end, Tinubu stood by him—not just as a political ally, but as a true friend.

When Buhari passed away, President Tinubu’s actions spoke volumes about the depth of their bond. He immediately directed Vice President Shettima and the Chief of Staff to accompany the family and the late president’s remains back home.

Now, this is where it gets truly remarkable.

President Tinubu insisted that the presidential jet—001, his personal aircraft—be used to transport Buhari’s body. But he didn’t stop there. In a break from tradition, he gave a clear directive: the remains of his dear friend must not be placed in the cargo hold, as is typically done.

Instead, Tinubu ordered that Buhari’s body be laid in the main cabin of the jet. This meant that Vice President Shettima, the Chief of Staff, and Buhari’s family all shared the same cabin with the late president’s remains—side by side, in honor and dignity.

It was a powerful, symbolic act. One that showed the world that Buhari was not just a former leader—he was a brother, a friend, and a man deeply revered, even in death.

Such a rare honor

Immediately the news of the passing of fmr President Buhari was announced, President Tinubu summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council meeting, ordered a full state honors, and led tributes at the presidential villa.

I told my colleagues that the President would declare a public holiday to honour the late President Buhari. They argued otherwise, reminding me that no such holiday was observed during the burials of Presidents Yar’Adua and Sani Abacha etc.

But I stood my ground. I had been watching President Tinubu’s body language since Buhari’s death was announced—it was clear this was more than politics. It was personal. I told them he would give Buhari a full presidential state burial, the kind this country had never seen.

And I was right.

Yesterday, Nigeria stood still. Streets were silent, flags flew at half-mast, and a heavy sense of reverence blanketed the nation. Even the air felt different.

Every television station, radio broadcast, social media platform, and print publication—every corner of the media landscape—was focused solely on one thing: the funeral of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The entire nation’s attention was fixed on him. I have never witnessed such overwhelming honour and unified respect poured out for a single individual. It was as if time paused to pay tribute. Truly, no farewell has ever commanded this level of reverence.

Even the dead must have known that something monumental was happening in Nigeria. It wasn’t just a burial—it was a final salute to a man Tinubu called a brother.

President Bola Tinubu stood solemnly at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina, waiting to receive the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Before the Nigerian Air Force plane landed, he inspected the guard of honour—every step deliberate, every gesture filled with reverence.

When the plane touched down with Buhari’s body onboard, Tinubu didn’t take the easy way out. He didn’t jump into a chopper to fly straight to Daura. No—he chose to lead the funeral convoy by road, accompanying his friend one final time on the 80-kilometre journey to Daura. It wasn’t just a trip—it was a procession of loyalty, memory, and deep personal tribute.

Yesterday, President Tinubu’s emotions betrayed him. The weight of the moment was overwhelming. He fought back tears—hard. You could see it in his eyes, in the way he clenched his jaw and gripped his hands. This wasn’t just the burial of a statesman—it was the farewell of a brother.

And in a powerful display of respect, it was not just any pallbearers who carried Buhari’s coffin—it was Army Generals and Service Chiefs themselves. A blend of military tradition and national honour, a symbolic gesture that underscored the magnitude of the man being laid to rest.

What the nation witnessed wasn’t just ceremony—it was history, emotion, and legacy all woven into one unforgettable moment.

Such an honor.

And the Tinubu I know—he’s not the kind of man to walk away after the final salute. No, he will step in, not out.

He will become a father to the late President’s children, a pillar of support to the entire Buhari family. He will make sure that Aisha Buhari, the former First Lady, and all of Buhari’s children never lack anything—emotionally, financially, or otherwise.

Tinubu understands loyalty beyond politics. He knows that true friendship doesn’t end at the grave. His commitment to Buhari’s legacy will live on in how he cares for those the former President left behind.

That’s the Tinubu I know—loyal to the end, and even beyond it.

Thank you, President Tinubu, for giving my Bubu the most dignified and truly befitting farewell he deserved.