Kaduna, Nigeria — Pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, has paid glowing tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as “an angel in human flesh” whose legacy of nation-building will endure for generations.
Akande led a delegation of political associates to the Buhari family residence in Kaduna on Wednesday to condole with the former First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, and her children over the death of the former Nigerian leader.
Speaking with reporters during the visit, Akande said Buhari’s passing was a painful personal loss that left him deeply shaken.
“He was a great Nigerian. He was patriotic. Maybe he was an angel coming in human flesh and he had done his bit. He had passed,” Akande said.
The APC elder statesman recalled his last encounter with Buhari in Daura, Katsina State, noting that the former president had appeared healthy and strong, giving no sign that death was imminent.
“We had a nice time together. He was looking robust, very strong. In a joke, I said I was going back to my village. He too said he was enjoying his village in Daura. By the time he moved to Kaduna, I was planning to see him here, and they told me he had travelled. Later, when I was abroad, I got the painful news that he passed,” Akande recounted.
Buhari’s Legacy Will Endure
Akande said Buhari’s values of integrity, discipline, and patriotism would continue to inspire Nigerians.
“His spirit will continue to live forever because of the good work he did in Nigeria,” he added.
The condolence delegation included Senator Abu Ibrahim, former Sports Minister Sunday Dare, APC stalwart Alhaji Mahmud Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment, Silas Agara, and Convener of the Arewa Think Tank, Mohammed Alhaji Yakubu.
Buhari’s Family Responds
Receiving the visitors, Yusuf Buhari, eldest son of the late president, expressed gratitude to Akande and his entourage for their solidarity.
“We are grateful to President Tinubu for standing with us and giving our father the honour he deserved. The support we have received has been overwhelming, and we do not take it for granted,” Yusuf said.
He pledged that the family would uphold Buhari’s lifelong values of service and sacrifice.
“Our father lived by integrity, discipline, and service to Nigeria. We will continue to uphold those values and preserve his legacy,” he assured.
The former president, who died recently in Kaduna, was buried with full state honours, with President Bola Tinubu leading tributes to his predecessor.