Buhari Backs Tinubu at Mid-Term, Urges Realistic Expectations

As President Bola Tinubu marks two years in office, former President Muhammadu Buhari has extended his congratulations and voiced strong support for Tinubu’s reform agenda.

In a statement released by Garba Shehu, Buhari’s former media aide, the ex-president emphasized that meaningful reforms—such as tackling poverty and inflation—require patience and collective effort, warning against allowing political distractions to undermine the administration’s progress.

Buhari called on Nigerians to moderate their expectations, stressing that changes under Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” will be gradual, not immediate.

Since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, his administration has implemented bold economic policies: eliminating fuel subsidies, floating the naira, and repaying a $3.4 billion COVID-19 loan—actions which, while reformative, have triggered a sharp rise in living costs.

Buhari acknowledged the hardship but urged all Nigerians, including the private sector, to support the government’s effort to stabilize the economy and reduce hardship. “Reforms won’t yield results overnight,” he said.

He closed his statement with a message of goodwill to Tinubu:
“I wish President Tinubu heartfelt congratulations on his two years in office. May you continue to lead with wisdom and care.”