President Adama Barrow has paid tribute to the late Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, praising his crucial role in his rise to power.

Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s president twice, passed away in July 2025 while receiving treatment in England.

He is remembered as a leader who played a pivotal role in defending Gambian democracy in 2016, when former President Yahya Jammeh refused to step down after losing the election to Barrow.

The Gambia and Nigeria share a long-standing bilateral relationship dating back to independence, with Nigeria providing support in areas such as education and peacekeeping missions.

Following Buhari’s death, President Barrow led a high-level delegation to Abuja to offer his condolences.

Barrow described Buhari as a “father figure” who was instrumental in his political journey.

“Personally, he contributed to my coming to power. He was a father figure to us, a humble and great president we should all emulate,” Barrow said in his tribute.

“Because of that, I cannot be ungrateful. We will remember him, and his legacy will not be forgotten,” he added.

By Adama Makasuba