Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has expressed a strong critique of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, characterising it as a period marked by “failure, corruption, and national suffering.”
Speaking in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Sowore described Buhari’s time in office as a betrayal of the public’s trust, stating, “He used Nigeria to prolong his own life while shortening the lives of millions.”
Sowore argued that no public eulogy or diplomatic homage should overshadow the realities Nigerians faced during Buhari's leadership. “Buhari came to power on the wings of hope and left on the wings of despair. His tenure was not marked by transformation but by regression,” Sowore said.
He maintained that Nigerians deserve the truth about their leaders' legacies, adding that accountability should not end with a leader’s death. “History doesn’t stop when a person dies. Memory doesn’t take a break,” he remarked.
Sowore further stated that his critique was not driven by personal animosity but by a duty to uphold historical truth. “We must stop canonising failed leaders simply because they are no longer here to defend themselves,” he noted.
Buhari’s Medical Trips Abroad
During his eight years in office, former President Buhari’s frequent medical trips abroad, especially to the United Kingdom, drew significant public attention and debate. His first medical trip was in 2016 for an ear infection, despite Nigeria having medical professionals capable of treating such ailments.
His most extended medical absence occurred in 2017 when he spent a combined 154 days abroad for health reasons, though the nature of his illness was never officially disclosed. In total, Buhari reportedly spent over 230 days on medical trips during his presidency.
These trips often coincided with critical moments in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, including industrial actions by medical professionals. Critics argued that his reliance on foreign healthcare contradicted his campaign promises to end medical tourism and improve Nigeria’s health infrastructure.
Civic groups and health experts, including the World Medical Association, criticised this trend as reflective of the poor state of healthcare in the country. There were also concerns about the transparency surrounding his health status and the public costs incurred by his foreign medical engagements.
Calls for Leadership Accountability
Sowore concluded by urging Nigerians to ensure that leadership legacies are critically assessed based on tangible impacts rather than sentiment. He advised that the country must confront its past honestly to chart a better future.
“Let Buhari’s story serve as a reflection point. Leaders must be held accountable, both in life and in memory, for how they affect the lives of citizens,” Sowore stated.
