On July 13, 2025, former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari died in London at 82 after an illness. He traveled to the United Kingdom for a routine checkup, but his health significantly deteriorated in the days leading up to his death. Two days after, Buhari was laid to rest in his hometown, Daura, as Nigeria said its final goodbyes to their former leader. But who was Muhammadu Buhari, and what was his legacy?
Early Life and Leadership Stints
Muhammadu Buhari was born on 17 December 1942 in Daura, Nigeria. He grew up in a large family of 23 children and was brought up by Waziri Alhassan after his father’s death. Regarding his education, Buhari went to Qur’anic school, studied in Daura and Mai’Adua, Katsina Middle School, where he served as a headboy. For his high school education, he wanted to study medicine, but the only option in his country was pharmacology. Eventually, he joined the Nigerian military.
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Military Training and Career
At the age of 19, he was selected to join the Nigerian Military Training College (NMTC), which later became the Nigerian Defence Academy. From there, Buhari received his cadet training at Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England.
On his return, he underwent further training at the Nigerian Military Training College, attending the Platoon Commanders’ Course following his appointment as a platoon commander.
Moreover, he served as the commander of the Second Infantry Battalion and was appointed brigade major of the Second Sector, First Infantry Division. In 1966, Buhari took part in the coup that ousted General Aguiyi Ironsi and replaced him with General Yakubu Gowon.
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Nigerian Civil War
The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, was fought between 1967 to 1970. Buhari was directly involved as he was serving as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army’s infantry. Under the guidance of General Mohammed Shuwa, he led the First Division of the Nigerian Army.
After the war, he occupied multiple positions.
- Between 1970 and 1971, he served as the Brigade Major/Commandant, 31st Infantry Brigade.
- Between 1971 and 1972, he was the Assistant Adjutant-General, First Infantry Division Headquarters.
- From 1974 to 1975, Buhari was acting director of Transport and Supply at the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport Headquarters.
- From 1978 to 1979, he was Military Secretary at the Army Headquarters.
- From 1978 to 1979, Buhari was a member of the Supreme Military Council.
Buhari was also involved in the 1975 military coup and helped General Murtala Mohammed. As a result, he was appointed the Governor of the North-Eastern State between 1975 and 1976. At the end of his tenure. Buhari became the first Governor of Borno State.
A few weeks later, Buhari was appointed as the Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources and then served as the chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
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Military Rule: 1983–1985
On December 31, 1983, Major-General Buhari was involved in another coup d’état. He overthrew President Shehu Shagarithe democratically elected government on the basis of corruption and economic mismanagement. As Head of State, Buhari launched what became known as the “War Against Indiscipline (WAI),” with the aim of restoring order, curbing corruption, and instilling civic virtues.
His regime was considered repressive, with civil liberties restricted, journalists jailed, public officials faced military tribunals, economic policies focused on import controls, a rigid exchange rate, and debt repayment. His leadership faced praise and criticism in equal measure.
However, on August 27, 1985, his Chief of Army Staff, General Ibrahim Babangida, overthrew Buhari. In the next three years, he spent three years under house arrest.
Years in the Political Wilderness
Throughout the 1990s, Buhari stayed away from political life. That said, between 1993 and 1998, he served as the Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF). However, at the end of military rule, Buhari stepped back into the political arena as a member of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and later Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). In 2003, in 2007 and in 2011, Buhari unsuccessfully contested for the presidency.
The 2015 Democratic Victory
Despite his three defeats, Buhari persisted and in 2015, he won the presidency on the All Progressives Congress (APC), defeating the incumbent Goodluck Jonathan. This was the first time in Nigerian history that an opposition candidate won over a sitting president in a democratic election. During his campaign, Buhari promised to improve security, fight corruption, and deliver economic revival.
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Leadership Style and Public Image
Muhammadu Buhari remained an enigma. Admired by supporters for his integrity, frugality, and patriotism, he was seen by detractors as aloof, rigid, and tribalistic. His inner circle was often criticized for being dominated by northern allies, fueling accusations of ethnic favoritism.
His slow decision-making style, described by some as “detached,” and his reliance on a small clique of advisors left many Nigerians disillusioned. Despite this, Buhari maintained a base of loyal supporters, particularly in northern Nigeria.
Human rights activists accused him of tribalism. “Buhari was an ethnic bigot. He had contempt for the rule of law; he disobeyed court orders. He engaged in enforced disappearances of critics,” Omoyele Sowore, an activist based in the Nigerian capital Abuja, told DW.
“In 2015, he presided over the mass murder of over 300 Shiites in Zaria. Young Nigerians protesting police brutality were gunned down in October 2020 by soldiers directed by Buhari. That is unforgettable and unforgivable,” Sowore said.
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Buhari’s Legacy
1. The fight against corruption
While Buhari made anti-corruption a central theme, the outcomes were uneven. Some high-profile cases were prosecuted, but many viewed the campaign as selective and politicized.
“The symbolic thing about his victory is the fact that he is considered one of Nigeria’s most incorruptible leaders. That is significant in a country where the population does not believe people in important positions deserve such a reputation,” Manji Cheto, the vice president of Teneo Intelligence, said in 2015.
2. Democratic Precedent
His peaceful transfer of power to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023 marked a vital step in Nigeria’s democratic maturity.
3. Security Challenges
Despite military investments, Nigeria remained plagued by multiple conflicts. Critics argue that Buhari’s administration failed to create a comprehensive security strategy.
4. Economic Management
A mixed record. Infrastructure improved, but macroeconomic indicators worsened. Over-reliance on oil, high inflation, and rising debt defined his tenure.
5. National Cohesion
Buhari struggled to unite a country divided by religion, ethnicity, and regionalism. His perceived favoritism and lack of inclusion alienated many in the South and Middle Belt.
Conclusion
Muhammadu Buhari’s legacy is marked by ambition and discipline, but also missed opportunities and deep controversy. He will be remembered as a soldier-president who came to power twice, first by the barrel of a gun and later through the ballot box, both times with a promise to cleanse Nigeria of its demons. Whether he succeeded—or merely held the line—is a debate that will continue to echo through Nigeria’s political history for years to come.
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