Mid-term: Buhari hails Tinubu, urges Nigerians to moderate expectations

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has cautioned against allowing "necessary reforms and desired changes" to be derailed by "nettlesome domestic politics" as President Bola Tinubu's administration enters its second year in office.

Buhari said that "reforms would achieve success gradually, not overnight" and congratulated President Tinubu on his midterm. He also advised Nigerians to control their expectations of the administration.

In a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the former president emphasized that the government cannot bear the burden of fighting inflation and poverty, which he said have "hit the poorest families the hardest."

"Tinubu Gets Buhari's Praise, Advice At Midterm," was the title of the statement.

 

“Muhammadu Buhari called for steadfast support for the APC government as it marks its second year in office, explaining that reforms would achieve success gradually, not overnight.

“He warned that necessary reforms and desired changes must not fall victim to nettlesome domestic politics,” the statement read.

Since taking office on May 29, 2023, Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” ended petrol subsidies, liberalised the naira, and fully repaid a $3.4bn COVID-19 loan, while sparking a severe cost-of-living crisis at home

Despite opposition defections, the All Progressives Congress formally nominated Tinubu as their only 2027 candidate on May 23, 2025.

"The private sector and all of us as citizens must join in all ways we can," Buhari said, expressing support for the Tinubu administration's continued efforts to combat inflation and poverty.

"Our expectations from our governments should not get heavy," President Buhari concluded his speech, urging Nigerians to maintain their optimism and confidence in the nation's future.

"I want to express my sincere congratulations to President Tinubu on his two years in office. "May you continue to lead with discernment and consideration," he said.