Boss Mustapha, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that the votes that gave him the victory in 2015 came from devoted supporters, despite the fact that some people elected Muhammadu Buhari president in that year.
At the same time, former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) characterized Buhari as a man of honesty, a man of austerity, and someone who was steadfast in his dedication to Nigerian unity.
During the book launch of Garba Shehu’s book “According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesperson’s Experience,” the two spoke. An uncommon behind-the-scenes look into presidential communications and the weight of loyalty in the halls of power is provided by this memoir.
According to the former SGF, Buhari already had 12 million votes, and the merger of the legacy parties only added three million. This refutes the widely held belief that the leaders of the now-defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which is now a part of the APC, were responsible for the APC’s 2015 victory.
Let’s not mince words: Buhari was the focal point. Mustapha said, “The votes that delivered victory in 2015 came from Buhari’s loyal followership, even though the CPC only had one state.” This seemed to indirectly contradict myths about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s contribution to the merger’s success.
Gowon described Buhari’s early acts as president, such as his protest of a N10 million catering budget for the State House, which he considered extravagant and insisted be drastically reduced.
In the event that the truth must be spoken, General Buhari leads a spartan lifestyle. Gowon stated, “You cannot deny that he has Nigeria’s best interests at heart, regardless of the false impressions made about him.”
He hailed the Armed Forces for their efforts and lauded Buhari’s administration for keeping up with the nation’s growing challenges, particularly insecurity.
Garba Shehu was also praised by Gowon for his consistent support of Buhari’s policies over the years.
Malam Shehu is one of the most important spokespeople. Clearly and consistently communicating a president’s actions and ideas is essential, and Garba Shehu did just that with courage and dedication,” Gowon continued.
Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, spoke on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who reiterated Gowon’s remarks. He attributed Buhari’s leadership style, which is based on accountability, caution, and patriotism, as well as his institutional improvements.
“From reestablishing fiscal restraint to directly addressing insecurity, from expanding infrastructure to revolutionizing agriculture, Buhari’s legacy is one of concentrated intent to reposition Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
The President also commended Nigeria’s diplomatic stability under Buhari, pointing out that his foreign policy remained principle-driven and thoughtful, with Nigeria’s voice valued in the African Union and beyond.
Yemi Osinbajo, the former vice president, called Shehu’s book a critical eyewitness account of government across two administrations.
He emphasized Shehu’s background as a scholar and media assistant, having previously taught journalism at Bayero University.
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He has remained loyal to his profession as a teacher. Osinbajo stated, “This book is a learning tool for communicators, students, and political historians—it goes beyond memoir.”
The book’s scholarly and policy relevance was emphasized by former Chief of Staff Prof. Ibrahim A. Gambari, who served as the launch’s chief presenter.
He commended Shehu for breaking down Buhari’s most difficult obstacle, which was “the perception problem and the tyranny of high expectations,” rather than insecurity or economics.
“For presidential aides, communication specialists, and public servants navigating a media landscape full of misinformation and spin, the book offers a roadmap,” Gambari stated.
He emphasized the book’s efforts, such as a significant essay by Professor Charles Okigbo of North Dakota State University that examines how fake news threatens presidential communication tactics.
More than just a political memoir, Shehu’s book has become a striking account of loyalty, moral leadership, and the fine line that must be trod when defending a president.
Taking bullets is difficult for a leader in the social media era. But we have to defend the truth. Because I had faith in the man and the mission, I did it with pride,” Shehu thought as he spoke.
