Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has heaped praise on the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, saying his time in office showed that public service can be done with integrity, honesty, and transparency.
Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Executive Council meeting on Thursday, Osinbajo said Buhari's administration was a clear demonstration that governance can be rooted in values and principles.
"I want to say that in the end, service to our country is perhaps the most important attribute of all," Osinbajo said. "He served faithfully for many years. He proved that you can serve honestly, forthrightly, with transparency and integrity."
Reflecting on their years of working closely together, Osinbajo hailed Buhari as a faithful public servant who remained consistent in character throughout his career, grounded in discipline, patriotism, and a deep commitment to Nigeria's progress.
The former vice-president also emphasized Buhari's democratic journey-how he transitioned from a former military ruler to a devoted democrat.
He recalled Buhari's three unsuccessful attempts at the presidency and how he pursued justice through the courts each time, until his eventual victory in 2015.
"President Muhammadu Buhari will be remembered first as a convicted democrat," Osinbajo said.
"He contested and lost presidential elections three times, but instead of walking away, he sought justice through due process-attending every single court proceeding until the matter was resolved. He finally won in 2015."
Osinbajo added that Buhari would be remembered for his respect for the rule of law, his love for democracy, and his loyalty to the APC-the party that provided him a platform to lead Nigeria.
"He respected democracy and upheld the standards our party stands for," he said. "He wanted a country that was united, that believed in itself, and that was successful in every way."
The former vice-president concluded by thanking God for the time Buhari spent serving the nation and the values he upheld throughout his life.
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