On 19 November 2026 the three‑volume authorised biography of former President Muhammadu Buhari was publicly presented at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites in Abuja. The event, announced by Engr. Suleiman Adamu, chairman of the Planning Committee, marked the first time the book was made available to the public.
Written by former Minister of State, Petroleum Dr Ibe Kachikwu, the biography contains an excerpt that reveals Buhari’s instinct when the Niger Delta Avengers began sabotage. The text states that “Buhari’s instinct, Kachikwu recalled, was command” and that he wanted to bring “the weight of the armed forces against the insurgents.”
However, Kachikwu argued that a purely military response would create complications. He warned that the federal forces were already stretched and that escalation could paralyse the entire industry. The disagreement reached a head before a meeting with the Pan‑Niger Delta Forum, where Buhari was upset at the unfolding situation and reluctant to approve dialogue with militants.
After persuasion, Buhari accepted engagement, allowing the peace process to proceed. He was unwilling to tolerate what he regarded as ransom politics but was nudged into engagement, the biography notes. A photograph taken after the meeting shows Buhari smiling, a moment Kachikwu described as:
“See, it’s not so bad after all,” Buhari smiled, he said.
Dr Udu Yakubu, the biographer, added that the late president cooperated with the project but did not control its content. He said the work was authorised by President Buhari, which “opened doors” while allowing the author to retain independence and ensuring the president’s voice was heard.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
