Why Buhari Refused to Name Successor or Reverse Daura’s Sack – New Biography Reveals

A new biography on President Muhammadu Buhari has shed light on why he refrained from naming a preferred successor ahead of the 2022 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary and why he did not reverse the removal of Lawal Daura as Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The book, *From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari*, authored by Dr Charles Omole, Director General of the Institute for Police and Security Policy Research (IPSPR), was unveiled in Abuja on Monday. At the presentation, former DSS Director General Yusuf Bichi offered insights into Buhari’s decisions during the sensitive succession period.

Bichi explained that Buhari avoided publicly endorsing any aspirant to prevent putting individuals at risk and to maintain unity within the party. He emphasized that the president’s silence was often misinterpreted as indifference, but was in fact a security-conscious choice based on intelligence reports. “In those months, knives were out; politically and, as security professionals know too well, sometimes literally,” Bichi said, noting that naming a preferred successor could have targeted that person and destabilized the party.

Regarding Daura’s removal while Buhari was abroad on medical leave, Bichi said the president chose not to intervene to uphold institutional stability and respect the authority delegated to then-Acting President Yemi Osinbajo. Buhari viewed any reversal as potentially undermining the acting president’s authority and threatening the chain of command.

Bichi further highlighted Buhari’s consistent discipline and restraint in governance, noting that the president prioritized evidence and professionalism over political pressure or personal preference. He regularly demanded proof from security chiefs before acting, ensuring agencies operated professionally while remaining accountable.

The biography’s launch at the Presidential Villa was attended by President Tinubu, Gambian President Adama Barrow, governors, ministers, diplomats, traditional rulers, and members of Buhari’s family.