Pius Nsabe
Following the passing of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, May Publishing has chosen a unique path to commemorate his legacy—by offering free digital copies of a five-volume compendium titled “Muhammadu Buhari: The Nigerian Legacy 2015–2023.”
Edited by renowned biographer and Managing Director of May Publishing, Dr. Udu Yakubu, the eBooks aim to provide an in-depth reflection on Buhari’s eight years in power, presenting both the achievements and controversies that defined his presidency.
The initiative, announced by the Nigeria-based publisher shortly after Buhari’s death, is already being hailed as a significant cultural and intellectual gesture. According to the firm’s General Manager, Mrs. Moyosore Olaofe, the decision to release the eBooks without cost was driven by a sense of civic responsibility. She explained that the project is intended to open up access to history for all Nigerians, allowing readers from every background to engage critically with the story of a man who left an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape.
The five volumes, now accessible through the publisher’s website and various online platforms, contain over 2,000 pages of meticulously researched material. They include archival records, policy reviews, interview excerpts, photographs, and first-hand accounts from key actors across the political spectrum. Each volume approaches the Buhari presidency from a distinct thematic perspective, documenting the various phases and facets of his leadership. Unlike many political memoirs or biographies that tend to glorify or vilify, this work attempts a balanced documentation of history—something both the editor and publisher felt was urgently needed in today’s polarised environment.
Dr. Udu Yakubu, a scholar with extensive experience in political history and governance analysis, had the privilege of launching the book in 2024. Speaking from Lagos, he shared that his motivation was rooted in a desire to create a meaningful public record. In an age where opinions often substitute facts and social media reduces complex issues into simplistic narratives, Yakubu said he sought to “slow down time” and allow Nigerians to reflect deeply on where the country had been and where it got to during Buhari’s Presidency.
The first volume, titled “Muhammadu Buhari: Journey to Presidency”, chronicles Buhari’s long and eventful journey to the presidency. It covers his military background, his earlier stint as military head of state in the 1980s, and the democratic rise that culminated in his 2015 electoral victory. The book situates Buhari’s success within the broader discontent of the time—widespread corruption, growing insecurity, and institutional distrust. His campaign’s appeal was rooted in promises of integrity and discipline, and the book captures how these ideas resonated with a frustrated electorate.
In “Management of the Economy”, the second volume, Dr. Yakubu dissects the economic policies of the Buhari government. It examines the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), currency reforms, protectionist policies like border closures, and efforts at agricultural revival. The book also delves into the two economic recessions Nigeria experienced under Buhari, evaluating the effectiveness of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) and other fiscal interventions. The debate around oil dependency, inflation, poverty levels, and the unemployment crisis are analysed through both government data and independent studies. Rather than giving clear verdicts, the book invites readers to grapple with the complexities and contradictions that characterised the administration’s economic trajectory.
The third volume, “National Security and Human Development”, explores Buhari’s struggle with Nigeria’s persistent security challenges. It highlights the war against Boko Haram and other extremist groups, as well as the rise of banditry and separatist agitations during his tenure. The book assesses his approach to security, heavily influenced by his military past, and offers perspectives from military chiefs, civil society groups, and victims of violence across the country. It acknowledges gains in reclaiming territory from insurgents but does not ignore the persistence of insecurity in other regions, raising questions about long-term strategies and coordination failures.
The fourth volume, “Industry and Infrastructure”, addresses Buhari’s relationship with civil society, media, and the broader democratic space. It features a detailed examination of the #EndSARS movement, media crackdowns, judicial independence, and human rights concerns that arose during his presidency. Critics often pointed to an authoritarian undercurrent in the government’s handling of dissent, while supporters argued that these actions were necessary for maintaining national order. This volume also highlights Buhari’s social intervention programmes, such as the N-Power scheme and school feeding programmes, positioning them as efforts to address youth unemployment and social inequality. The book draws on a wide range of interviews, including with youth leaders, activists, legal scholars, and government officials, painting a multidimensional portrait of an administration often caught between reform and repression.
The last volume, “Strategic Leadership, Governance and Development”, captures Buhari’s twilight days in office and his transition out of power. It documents farewell speeches, the 2023 general elections, and reactions from both his supporters and critics. The volume contains reflections from Nigerians across different socioeconomic backgrounds, offering grassroots perspectives on what Buhari’s presidency meant to them. It concludes with an exploration of how his legacy is likely to be remembered—whether as a firm hand against corruption and insecurity, or as a leader whose policies yielded mixed results. The book resists easy categorisation, instead presenting Buhari as a figure of paradox—admired for integrity but criticised for rigidity, praised for infrastructure yet faulted for economic woes.
May Publishing’s open-access approach is widely seen as a democratic move that enhances public engagement with history. By removing cost barriers, the company has made it possible for students, researchers, journalists, and ordinary citizens to access detailed historical records at a time when informed dialogue is crucial. This approach stands in contrast to the often elitist nature of political biography distribution, where access is limited to academic or political circles. For many Nigerians, particularly in rural and underserved communities, the eBook donation provides an invaluable educational resource.
As the nation mourns a leader who once commanded both loyalty and controversy, May Publishing’s eBook release offers a unique moment for reflection. Buhari’s presidency, marked by moments of boldness and periods of silence, left a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s democratic evolution. His death, while bringing grief to millions, also invites a reevaluation of what leadership means in a complex, diverse, and often fractious country.
In choosing literature as the medium of remembrance, May Publishing reminds Nigerians that legacy is not simply what leaders leave behind—it is what citizens choose to remember, to debate, and to pass on. The books are already shaping public discourse and will likely influence how future generations understand Buhari, not just as a political figure, but as a symbol of an era defined by high expectations, deep divisions, and a quest for stability.
Whether one sees Muhammadu Buhari as a principled reformer or a reluctant democrat, a guardian of national order or a distant commander, one thing remains clear—his story cannot be ignored. And thanks to the efforts of Dr. Udu Yakubu and May Publishing, that story is now within reach of every Nigerian.
The eBook series are available for free download at: https://maypublishingltd.com.ng/portfolio/muhammadu-buhari-the-nigerian-legacy-volume-1/
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cPzdOXA09v1Juc_5FHoTEg_gE5u3EQto/view?usp=drive_link
https://maypublishingltd.com.ng/portfolio/muhammadu-buhari-the-nigerian-legacy-volume-3/
https://maypublishingltd.com.ng/portfolio/muhammadu-buhari-the-nigerian-legacy-volume-4/
The book is also available for purchase in hardcopy. For inquiry, send a mail to info@maypublishingltd.com.ng OR
maypublishingltd@gmail.com OR call 08077369641 and 09099547013.