One Year After Buhari: How Quickly Power Fades and Memories Move On
On July 13, 2026, Nigeria marked one year since the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died in a London hospital at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness. His death brought to a close one of the most consequential and debated political careers in Nigeria's modern history. Buhari served first as Nigeria's military Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023, becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat a sitting Nigerian president through the ballot box.
Earlier today, I had a conversation with some colleagues in the office, and it left me reflecting deeply on the nature of power, influence, and public memory.
Out of curiosity, I picked up four national newspapers on my table—The Nation, Nigerian Tribune, The Punch, and The Guardian. I expected to find several pages dedicated to commemorating the first anniversary of Buhari's passing. Instead, I noticed only a sponsored memorial advert placed by former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, in The Nation.
I also did not come across public anniversary messages from many of the political figures and former officials who had stood firmly beside Buhari throughout his years in office. Familiar names such as Femi Adesina, Garba Shehu, Lai Mohammed, Abubakar Malami, Babatunde Fashola, Isa Ali Pantami, and several others were not publicly visible in the newspapers I reviewed.
Of course, that does not necessarily mean they failed to remember him. Many tributes are private rather than public, and people choose different ways to honour those they once worked with. This is not an attempt to assign blame or question anyone's loyalty.
Rather, it is an observation that prompted a much deeper reflection.
Politics moves quickly. Public attention shifts. New leaders emerge, fresh debates dominate the headlines, and yesterday's powerful figures gradually become part of history. The same voices that once defended, praised, or criticised a leader often move on as the nation's focus changes.
That is the reality of public life.
Power is temporary.
Influence fades.
Applause eventually grows silent.
No matter how influential a leader may appear at the height of authority, time continues to move forward. Every office is occupied only for a season, and every political chapter eventually comes to an end.
This truth extends beyond politics. It applies to business, careers, leadership, and even our personal lives. Titles eventually disappear. Positions change. Wealth can be lost. Popularity is rarely permanent.
What truly endures is the impact we leave on other people.
The opportunities we create.
The kindness we extend.
The integrity we demonstrate.
The lives we positively influence.
These are the investments that outlive official positions, material success, and public recognition.
Muhammadu Buhari's legacy remains a subject of strong debate among Nigerians. Supporters remember him for his anti-corruption agenda, major infrastructure projects, and commitment to discipline in public service. Critics point to persistent economic challenges, worsening insecurity in several parts of the country, and concerns over human rights during his administration. Like many historic leaders, his record continues to generate diverse opinions.
Yet beyond political opinions lies a universal lesson that every generation should remember.
In the end, almost all of us become memories.
The question is not whether people will remember us, but how they will remember us—and whose lives will carry the evidence of our existence long after our titles, positions, and achievements have faded from the headlines.
History reminds us that no one occupies the corridors of power forever. Public office is temporary, but character has the potential to outlive generations.
Perhaps that is the greatest lesson of all.
Be good. Do good. Leave behind something greater than your position, because when the applause finally ends, it is your humanity—not your title—that people are most likely to remember.
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