In a post that first emerged via APA Hausa, the former First Lady revealed that the late president had long expressed his desire to seek the forgiveness of the Nigerian people. According to her, it was one of his most personal wishes following his departure from power in 2023.
“Since he resigned from power, the one thing he always told me whenever we spoke was, ‘If I die before you, please send my message to Nigerians to forgive my mistakes in leadership. I’m only human, and humans make mistakes,’” she reportedly said.
Mrs Buhari stressed that her husband, despite the burdens of leadership and the criticisms he faced, remained reflective and remorseful in his final years. She described him as a man who, though firm in conviction, recognised the weight of his decisions and the imperfections that came with governance.
“Please, I beg everyoneto forgive him before he is taken to his grave,” she added with emotion.
She went further to urge Nigerians to help amplify the message, asking that it be shared widely across groups and communities, saying, “Please everyone should share this message to other groups so that everyone can see. May God forgive him.”
The statement has ignited a flurry of responses across social media platforms, drawing a mix of reactions. Some Nigerians have responded with empathy, offering prayers and public forgiveness, while others have taken the opportunity to revisit the impact of Buhari’s policies and decisions during his eight-year administration.
From his handling of security issues, economic reforms, and anti-corruption campaigns to the widespread criticism of his approach to national unity and governance, Buhari’s time in office remains one of the most hotly debated in Nigeria’s democratic history.
This call for forgiveness introduces a deeply human and emotional layer to that legacy—one that, regardless of political stance, invites the nation to reflect not just on leadership, but on humanity, mortality, and grace.
As preparations continue for his burial, Aisha Buhari’s heartfelt message has brought a new dimension to national mourning—reminding many of the power of humility, the importance of reconciliation, and the finality of life.
