Nigeria, Dec. 19 -- This record matters, not as political sentiment, but as evidence.

Trust Tested: Osinbajo as Acting President

One of the earliest and clearest demonstrations of Buhari's confidence in Osinbajo came in February 2016, when the President voluntarily transmitted power to his Vice President during a brief vacation abroad. In Nigeria's political history - where presidents have often clung to power even in absence - this was a notable act of trust.

That trust was tested more severely in 2017, during Buhari's prolonged medical leave. Osinbajo served for months as Acting President, overseeing national security, economic management, and executive decision-making at a critical moment.

On Buhari's return, there was no equivocat...