Political Analyst Labels Buhari’s Legacy “Very Bad,” Highlights Economic and Security Failures

In an exclusive interview on 90MinutesAfrica, political analyst Darlington Agomuo described the legacy of late former President Muhammadu Buhari as deeply disappointing and marred by significant failures. Buhari, who died recently at 82, left behind a controversial record characterized by economic hardship and rampant insecurity, Agomuo said.

Highlighting Buhari’s tenure as the first chairman of Nigeria’s national oil company, Agomuo recalled the loss of $2.8 billion in oil revenue during that period, a scandal that went unresolved after Buhari overthrew the Shagari government. He criticized Buhari’s military and civilian leadership for failing to reform the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which remains “a haven of corruption.”

Regarding Buhari’s two terms as a civilian president, the analyst noted that even members within Buhari’s own party, the APC, lament the dire state in which the former president left Nigeria’s economy. He said, “There is absolutely nothing to show from the eight years of his administration,” describing widespread insecurity and economic decline.

Agomuo also condemned the ongoing practice of Nigerian leaders seeking medical care abroad, pointing to Buhari’s frequent visits to London for treatment despite campaign promises to improve healthcare domestically. “It is very shameful that our leaders travel abroad for medical care when Nigeria has the resources to build world-class hospitals,” he said, warning that the current administration continues similar patterns.

This critical perspective adds to a complex national conversation about Buhari’s mixed legacy, which includes noted efforts against corruption and infrastructure development but is heavily weighed by allegations of autocracy, security lapses, and economic challenges.