Why Buhari Found It Hard To Detach Himself From Mamman Daura — Daughter

Fatima Buhari, daughter of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has explained why her father found it difficult to distance himself from his nephew and long-time confidant, Mamman Daura, despite tensions and concerns over his influence within the inner circle of government when he was the president.

Her account is contained in a new book, ‘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), and presented in Abuja on Monday.

According to Fatima, the relationship between Buhari and Daura was rooted deeply in blood ties, shared history and long-standing trust that spanned decades, from the Dodan Barracks era to Buhari’s years in the Presidential Villa.

Explaining the family bond, Fatima said Mamman Daura’s father and Buhari shared the same mother, making Daura not just a political ally but close family.

“Mamman Daura’s father shared the same mother as my father,” she said, describing a relationship in which affection and resentment coexisted.

She noted that Buhari was often aware of complaints and frustrations surrounding Daura but struggled to sever the relationship.

“Baba will personally tell us that he did this, he did that to him, but he’s still with him,” she recalled.

The book highlights how Daura remained a constant presence even during Buhari’s years of detention following the 1985 military coup. Fatima said while family members were denied access to Buhari during that period, Daura was allowed to see him regularly.

“We were not allowed to see him,” she said. “Only Mamman had access. I kept asking myself, ‘Why always Mamman between Baba and the family?’”

She explained that the answer lay in obligations of kinship, decades-old habits, gratitude and Buhari’s deep sense of loyalty.

However, Fatima acknowledged that the closeness came at a cost. She said a network grew around that kinship, which, in her view, often took advantage of Buhari’s reluctance to cause hurt, embarrassment or public disgrace.

The book further notes that Buhari’s personality also played a role. According to Fatima, age and faith softened the former President over time, making him more empathetic and cautious about cutting people off.

“He understands the web of relationships — parents, spouses, histories — and he doesn’t want to break hope,” she said.

Fatima added that once Buhari trusted someone, it was difficult for him to withdraw that trust without overwhelming evidence. Even when proof emerged, she said, he preferred to correct quietly, warn privately and avoid public sackings.

“Before he realises it, that person has committed many atrocities,” she said, noting that while Buhari did confront aides and raise his voice on occasion, he took no pleasure in humiliating people.