Former President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on reaching the midterm mark of his administration, calling for continued public support for the government’s reform agenda while urging Nigerians to remain optimistic about the country’s future.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, Buhari described leadership as “a continuous journey,” adding that reforms needed to reposition the nation would require time and consistent effort.

“As the party and the government celebrate, the country should be reminded that leadership is a continuous journey,” Buhari said, noting that success would not come overnight.

He stressed that the reforms currently underway should be shielded from “nettlesome domestic politics,” warning that political distractions could undermine progress.

Speaking on the economic challenges facing Nigerians, the former president voiced concern over rising poverty and inflation, acknowledging the burden on the country’s poorest citizens. However, he commended the Tinubu administration’s efforts to address the situation and emphasized the need for collective responsibility.

“The private sector and all of us as citizens must join in all ways we can,” he said, suggesting that government alone cannot shoulder the task of national development.

Buhari also appealed for measured expectations from the public, saying: “Our expectations from our governments should not get heavy.”

Concluding his message, he offered warm congratulations to President Tinubu on his two-year milestone.

“I am wishing President Tinubu heartfelt congratulations on his two years in office. May you keep leading with wisdom and care,” Buhari said.

The statement comes as the Tinubu administration commemorates two years in office, amid ongoing efforts to implement structural reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy and improving governance.