Fatima Buhari, daughter of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has explained why her father found it hard to pull away from his nephew and longtime associate, Mamman Daura, even when concerns were raised about Daura’s influence during his presidency.
She shared her views in a new book titled From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, written by Dr Charles Omole, Director-General of the Institute for Police and Security Policy Research (IPSPR). The book was presented in Abuja on Monday.
According to Fatima, the bond between Buhari and Daura went far beyond politics.
It was built on family ties, shared experiences, and trust developed over several decades; from their time around Dodan Barracks to Buhari’s years in the Presidential Villa.
She explained that the family connection was very close, noting that Daura’s father and Buhari shared the same mother.
“Mamman Daura’s father shared the same mother as my father,” she said.
Fatima described the relationship as one where closeness and frustration existed side by side.
She said Buhari was often aware of complaints about Daura and the tensions they caused but found it difficult to completely cut him off.
“Baba will personally tell us that he did this, he did that to him, but he’s still with him,” she recalled.
The book also reveals that Daura remained close to Buhari even during his detention after the 1985 military coup.
Fatima said that while family members were barred from seeing Buhari at the time, Daura had regular access.
“We were not allowed to see him. Only Mamman had access. I kept asking myself, ‘Why was it always Mamman between Baba and the family?’”
She explained that the answer lay in strong family obligations, years of shared history, gratitude, and Buhari’s deep sense of loyalty.
However, Fatima admitted that this closeness had negative consequences.
She said some people took advantage of Buhari’s unwillingness to embarrass, hurt, or publicly disgrace others.
The book further suggests that Buhari’s personal nature also influenced his decisions.
Fatima said that as he grew older and more religious, he became softer and more careful about ending relationships.
“He understands the web of relationships; parents, spouses, histories and he doesn’t want to break hope,” she said.
She added that once Buhari trusted someone, it was very hard for him to withdraw that trust without strong proof. Even when evidence was available, she said he preferred quiet corrections and private warnings rather than public dismissals.
“Before he realises it, that person has committed many atrocities,” she said.
She added that although Buhari sometimes confronted aides firmly, he did not enjoy humiliating people.
