Yusuf Buhari, son of late former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, has offered a rare and poignant insight into how life dramatically changed for his family after his father left the corridors of power, describing a sharp decline in public attention, access, and personal interest once political authority ended.
In a reflective account, Yusuf recalled the period immediately after former President Goodluck Jonathan called to congratulate his father on his victory as Nigeria’s next president. According to him, that moment marked the beginning of an overwhelming surge in attention that reshaped his daily life.
“I used to receive up to 2,000 calls a day,” Yusuf said, noting that calls began as early as 4 a.m. and came from all directions—old classmates, distant acquaintances, extended family members, former domestic staff who had worked for the Buhari family years earlier, and individuals with vague or untraceable reasons for calling.
He explained that many callers simply wanted to reconnect because of proximity to power, while others offered unclear proposals or favors. “Some explanations didn’t make sense at all,” he said, adding that his assistant often had to politely find ways to end conversations quickly.
However, Yusuf noted that the volume of calls dropped significantly once his father completed his tenure and handed over power to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. From thousands daily, the number reportedly fell to about 100 calls a day, a shift he described as sobering.
The decline became even more pronounced after the passing and burial of his father. According to Yusuf, the calls reduced further to around 20 a day, mostly from close siblings and genuine business associates.
“The phones no longer ring,” he said quietly. “Nobody truly cares.”
The account has resonated widely across social media and public discourse, with many Nigerians describing it as a powerful reminder of how political power shapes relationships, access, and perceived importance. Commentators say Yusuf’s reflection highlights the transactional nature of influence and how quickly public interest fades once authority is gone.
Political analysts note that the experience is not unique to the Buhari family, but rather a recurring reality for those who occupy high office. “Power attracts attention, not necessarily affection,” one observer noted. “When power leaves, so does the crowd.”
Yusuf Buhari’s candid reflection has sparked conversations about loyalty, opportunism, and the human cost of public life, offering a rare glimpse into the emotional aftermath of leadership beyond the spotlight.
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