'2 Reasons Why Buhari Didn’t Sack Underperforming Ministers, Aides’: Aisha Explains
- Former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, has spoken about underperforming ministers and aides who served under her late husband, ex-President Muhammadu Buhari's administration
- Aisha gave two reasons why her late husband did not fire ministers and aides, who underperformed between 2015 and 2023
- She shared more details in the new 600-page biography book titled ‘From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari’
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
FCT, Abuja - Former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, has offered two reasons why her late husband, ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, did not sack ministers and aides who underperformed during his administration.
Aisha said Buhari later pleaded on behalf of some of his allies facing investigation.
Source: Twitter
“When asked to step aside for investigations, Buhari pleaded with the new government on behalf of his kinsmen, seeking to shield them from inquiry because he still depended on them for many personal matters.”
This is contained in a new 600-page biography book written by Dr. Charles Omole titled ‘From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari.’
As reported by The Punch, Aisha said Buhari's presidency remains haunted by the question, “why weren’t those who ‘disappointed him—ministers who could not deliver, [service] chiefs who outlasted their prime—replaced?”
The former First Lady explained that Buhari’s age and a sensitivity to the “dictator” label from the 1980s made him wary of being seen as ruthless.
“As you age, performance changes,” adding that “If I remove him, they will say I am this and that. The devil you know.”
Mrs Buhari alleged that some persons exploited the late presidnet’s hesitation. She said some around Buhari often invoked cautionary clichés that fed his reluctance.
“Even if a man ‘eats,’ if he can still deliver 50 per cent, keep him; But if he both eats and cannot perform, then he must go.”
Providing more clarity to the former First Lady’s claims, Omole wrote that:
“This analysis by Aisha provides an additional angle on the children’s explanation for why Buhari was always reluctant to sack people. The family all agreed this was a fault in the Buhari government, but it is mitigated by the realism of the cabal’s manipulation of his emotions.”
Aisha Buhari opens up on whether she'll remarry
Recall that Aisha announced she would not remarry, describing the decision as pragmatic rather than moralistic.
The biography of Muhammadu Buhari had presented her choice as a personal reset after years in the political spotlight.
The former First Lady had planned to focus on family, philanthropy, travel, and continued leadership of her foundation and medical centre.
Aisha: "Buhari believed I planned to kill him"
Legit.ng earlier reported that Buhari's wife, Aisha, disclosed that her husband once believed in the Aso Rock gossip that she was planning to kill him.
The former first lady also disclosed how the late president began to treat her at the Presidential Villa amid the rumours.
Aisha Buhari made this disclosure in a new 600-page biography of the late president, which was unveiled at the State House in Abuja on Monday, December 15, 2025.
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Source: Legit.ng
