Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has revealed that he intended to publicly criticize the late former President Muhammadu Buhari following his passing, but was dissuaded by his wife.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Fayose emphasized that Nigerians often refrain from speaking ill of the dead, regardless of their track record in office.
“When President Buhari died, I wanted to come out and criticize him. But my wife advised me against it,” Fayose said. “In Nigeria, we tend to only praise the dead.”
Former President Buhari passed away in July 2025 at a private medical facility in London and was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.
Fayose maintained that Buhari’s performance during his eight-year tenure was far below expectations.
“Let’s be honest—can anyone say Buhari delivered? I’m not one to glorify someone just because they’ve died. Don’t honor me when I’m gone; speak the truth while I’m alive,” he asserted.
The outspoken politician also expressed concern over what he described as the nation’s deteriorating condition under Buhari’s administration. He questioned why many Nigerians now place the blame solely on President Bola Tinubu’s government.
“Under Buhari, Nigeria was in disarray. Why are people now suddenly blaming Tinubu for everything?” Fayose asked.
He also highlighted the difference in leadership style between the two leaders, pointing out that Tinubu has shown greater accessibility.
“President Tinubu is accessible. Was Buhari ever accessible? A lot of things that happened under Buhari are no longer in the system. Tinubu is not perfect, but we’re not where we were,” he added.