Gambari reveals why Buhari kept his ministers throughout his presidency, stressing loyalty, trust, and national love.
In the high-stakes arena of Nigerian politics, reshuffling a cabinet is often perceived as a show of strength, renewal, or reform.
It’s a move that signals change, accountability, or at times, political maneuvering.
For past presidents, dismissing underperforming ministers or rotating appointments was considered a necessary part of governance.
But President Muhammadu Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s democratic leader from 2015 to 2023, defied this expectation.
Throughout his two terms, Buhari retained nearly all of his ministers without engaging in frequent or dramatic cabinet changes.
This left many observers, critics, and citizens puzzled. In a system where performance often calls for reassessment and public outcry demands ministerial sackings, why did Buhari remain so loyal to his team?
Now, an insider Professor Ibrahim Gambari, his former Chief of Staff has shed light on the former president’s rationale, offering a compelling and principled explanation.
Buhari’s Loyalty to His Team
At a public event in Ilorin, Kwara State, organized in memory of his late brother, Professor Gambari revealed that Buhari’s decision was deeply rooted in personal values and ethical convictions.
According to him, the president did not act out of weakness or neglect, but from a profound sense of loyalty and trust.
“President Buhari did not remove his ministers because he loved them just as he loved Nigerians,” Gambari stated.
This sentiment reflects more than personal affection. It underscores a leadership philosophy that favors consistency, mutual respect, and trust over constant change and political appeasement.
In an era where ministers often fear abrupt dismissal due to bad press or internal political feuds,
Buhari’s approach came as a rare example of a leader who builds long-term relationships and resists the temptation of political showmanship.
A Silent Statement of Leadership
Gambari, who served as Buhari’s Chief of Staff from 2020 until the end of the administration in 2023, explained that the president’s calm, reserved demeanor was often misunderstood.
“He is not someone who uses and dumps,” Gambari noted. “He rewards loyalty.”
Whereas many leaders use reshuffling as a political tool or to appease critics, Buhari believed in keeping those he trusted so long as they remained loyal and dedicated.
This, Gambari said, was a conscious leadership style, one that prioritized continuity and stability over cosmetic changes aimed at pleasing the media or opposition.
Continuity Over Chaos
Beyond the moral angle, Buhari’s choice also had practical reasoning.
In governance, constant changes at the top can lead to disruptions, delays, and confusion especially in policy implementation.
Ministries dealing with security, infrastructure, or economy require time and cohesion to function effectively.
Buhari believed that maintaining a stable cabinet allowed for:
- Clarity of direction in policy goals
- Deeper institutional knowledge within ministries
Efficiency in execution without the need to constantly “start afresh” with new appointees
This stands in contrast to the political tradition of firing or reshuffling ministers as a response to scandals or public dissatisfaction even when such actions don’t lead to real improvements.
By preserving continuity, Buhari hoped to foster a culture of responsibility, where ministers took ownership of long-term national projects.
Political Maturity and African-Islamic Values
In many African and Islamic traditions, leadership is not just about authority but about character, loyalty, and trustworthiness.
Gambari emphasized that Buhari’s style was not simply a personal choice, but also a reflection of these values.
“In a time when betrayal and backbiting are common in politics, Buhari’s loyalty was a sign of strength, not weakness,” Gambari said.
In Islam, leaders are entrusted with amana (trust), and loyalty is a virtue so long as it does not enable corruption or oppression.
Buhari, a devout Muslim and former military general, embraced these principles in his leadership.
His refusal to discard loyal appointees, even under pressure, was an expression of this inner conviction.
While this may not always align with modern political expectations or media demands, it represents a return to foundational values often lost in today’s fast-paced political environment.
The Perception Gap: Public Criticism vs Internal Assessment
However, Buhari’s decision was not without its critics.
Throughout his tenure, Nigerians raised concerns about some ministers’ performance, questioning why obvious underperformance or scandal wasn’t met with removal.
This led to perceptions of weakness, indifference, or even favoritism.
But Gambari addressed this directly.
He explained that Buhari based his decisions on internal assessments not public outrage or media pressure.
The president believed in quiet accountability rather than making dramatic public gestures.
This again reflects a core leadership dilemma: Should a leader act based on popular demand or internal conviction?
For Buhari, the answer was clear he chose principled consistency over fleeting popularity.
A Different Kind of Political Legacy
As Nigeria reflects on Buhari’s eight-year rule, this aspect of his presidency adds depth to his legacy.
In a nation where political appointees often serve at the mercy of shifting alliances and public mood, Buhari’s cabinet stability stands out.
It may not have been perfect, but it was deliberate.
His leadership was not flashy. It was firm, focused, and rooted in trust a style that future leaders might find worth emulating in certain contexts.
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Lessons for Future Leaders
Professor Gambari’s reflections offer powerful insights for current and aspiring political leaders not just in Nigeria but across Africa and the broader Muslim world.
Here are some key takeaways:
1. Loyalty is a strength when guided by justice and purpose.
Buhari did not protect his ministers blindly but chose to trust those who remained loyal and worked diligently.
2. Stability enables long-term progress.
Constant cabinet reshuffles may please headlines, but they often undermine serious national development efforts.
3. Personal conviction is often more valuable than popularity.
True leadership involves making decisions based on wisdom and foresight not just following the crowd.
4. Leadership is a trust (amana), not a performance.
The Islamic understanding of leadership emphasizes responsibility, patience, and sincerity values Buhari quietly upheld.
5. Public service should be rooted in values, not vanity.
Buhari’s refusal to act on impulse teaches the importance of self-control and commitment to a greater national purpose.
The story behind Buhari’s decision not to reshuffle his cabinet is more than just a political footnote it is a reflection of a deeper philosophy of leadership.
Through Gambari’s account, Nigerians now have a clearer picture of what guided Buhari’s often-criticized choices.
His loyalty to his ministers wasn’t based on politics, favoritism, or negligence it was based on trust, principle, and stability.
In a world where change is constant and pressure is high, Buhari’s quiet firmness may well be one of the most defining and misunderstood aspects of his presidency.
For future leaders navigating the tension between popularity and principle,
Buhari’s model offers a compelling case: sometimes, the most powerful statements are made not through words or actions but through consistency.
What Do You Think?
Do you believe Buhari’s leadership style was effective or outdated? Should leaders prioritize loyalty or public accountability?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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