Muhammadu
Buhari was one of Nigeria’s most influential and controversial leaders,
whose career shaped the country’s military and political history for
over five decades, News360 Nigeria reports.
From
serving as a military Head of State in the 1980s to becoming a
democratically elected president, Buhari was known for his tough stance
on corruption, national security, and discipline.
He remained a major political figure in Nigeria even after leaving office in 2023.
Buhari passed away on July 13, 2025, in a London hospital after battling a protracted illness.
His
death marked the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s longest-standing
public figures, whose leadership left a lasting impact on the country’s
governance and public life.
Here are 10 important things to know about the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari:
1. He Was Born in Daura,
Katsina State Muhammadu Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura,
a town in Katsina State, Northern Nigeria. He was the twenty-third
child of his father, Mallam Hardo Adamu, a Fulani chieftain.
Raised
in a devout Muslim family, Buhari grew up with strong traditional and
Islamic values, which would later shape his conservative leadership
style and public persona.
2. Buhari Had a Distinguished Military Career Before venturing into politics, Muhammadu Buhari had an illustrious career in the Nigerian Army.
He
enlisted in 1961 and was trained in several prestigious military
institutions, including the Nigerian Military Training College (now
Nigerian Defence Academy), the Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot,
England, and the Defence Services Staff College in India.
He rose steadily through the ranks and was involved in several military operations during Nigeria’s civil war (1967–1970).
His military discipline and reputation for no-nonsense leadership earned him significant respect among his peers.
3. Buhari Served as Nigeria’s Military Head of State (1983–1985) On December 31, 1983,
Muhammadu Buhari became Nigeria’s military Head of State following a
coup that overthrew the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari.
His
administration was characterized by a tough anti-corruption drive,
rigid enforcement of discipline, and controversial economic policies.
He launched the War Against Indiscipline (WAI), aimed at restoring societal order and accountability.
However,
his regime was criticized for human rights abuses, press censorship,
and economic hardship, leading to his eventual overthrow in another
military coup led by General Ibrahim Babangida in August 1985.
4. He Contested for Presidency Four Times Before Winning After retiring from military service, Buhari transitioned into politics.
He contested for Nigeria’s presidency under different political parties in 2003, 2007, and 2011, but lost all three elections.
Undeterred,
he contested again in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC)
and made history by becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat an
incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan, in Nigeria’s democratic
history.
He was re-elected for a second term in 2019 after defeating Atiku Abubakar of the People's Democratic Party (PDP).
5. Buhari’s Presidency Focused on Anti-Corruption, Security, and Economic Recovery
Buhari’s civilian presidency was anchored on three core priorities:
fighting corruption, combating insecurity, and revamping the economy.
He
launched notable anti-corruption campaigns, leading to high-profile
arrests and asset recoveries. On security, he prioritized the fight
against the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, though challenges
persisted.
Economically, Buhari’s administration faced multiple
recessions, currency devaluation, and inflation, with mixed reviews on
policy effectiveness.
His government also emphasized infrastructure development through rail, road, and agricultural projects.
6. He Was Widely Criticized for Human Rights and Press Freedom Issues Despite his anti-corruption stance,
Buhari’s administration faced frequent criticism for stifling press
freedom, clamping down on dissent, and restricting civic space.
Human
rights groups accused the government of unlawful detentions, police
brutality, and the suppression of protests, notably during the #EndSARS
protests in October 2020, where security forces opened fire on unarmed
protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, an incident that drew global
condemnation.
7. Buhari Maintained a Reputation for Personal Integrity Regardless of criticisms
about his government’s performance, Buhari was consistently viewed as a
leader of personal discipline, modest lifestyle, and incorruptibility.
Even his political opponents and international observers often acknowledged his reputation for financial honesty.
Buhari
reportedly declared his assets publicly before assuming office in 2015,
although controversies surrounded asset disclosures of other officials
in his government.
8. He Spent Extended Periods Abroad for Medical Treatment A significant feature of Buhari’s presidency was his recurrent medical trips to the United Kingdom.
Between
2017 and 2019, he spent over 150 cumulative days abroad seeking
treatment for undisclosed ailments, prompting concerns about
transparency, governance gaps during his absences, and the state of
Nigeria’s healthcare system.
His prolonged absences occasionally triggered speculations about his health and capacity to govern.
9. Buhari Is Married to Aisha Buhari Muhammadu (née Halilu), who served as Nigeria’s First Lady from 2015 to 2023.
Aisha,
a trained cosmetologist and author, gained national attention for her
outspoken criticisms of some government officials and policies during
Buhari’s tenure.
The couple has five children together. Buhari
was previously married to Safinatu Yusuf, with whom he had five
children, before their separation in 1988.
10. Buhari Remains a Major Political Influence in Northern Nigeria
Even after leaving office in May 2023, Muhammadu Buhari continues to
wield considerable political influence, especially in Northern Nigeria.
As
a former military leader and two-term civilian president, his
endorsement or opposition carries weight in Nigeria’s political
landscape.
He has largely refrained from active political
commentary since leaving office but remains a respected elder statesman
within the ruling APC and the broader Nigerian polity.
Conclusion
Muhammadu
Buhari’s life and career span significant periods in Nigeria’s modern
history, from military coups and civil war to democratic transitions and
insurgency.
Loved by some for his discipline and anti-corruption
posture and criticized by others for authoritarian tendencies and
economic challenges, Buhari remains a complex, consequential figure in
Nigeria’s political narrative.
https://news360ng.com/10-things-to-know-about-nigerias-late-former-president-muhammadu-buhari/
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11. Failed woefully as a military and civilian leader.
RIP to him.
During
his tenure, my income quadrupled because its tied to $, but over 99% of
Nigerians who don't have that privilege really suffered.
So-called General under whose tenure a train was hijacked, kidnapping increased and whole States became no go area
Anti
corruption reputation yet under his reign, his lieutenants looted
Nigeria mercilessly e.g. Emefiele with over 700 houses, Sirika with
blatant Air Nigeria 8 billion naira scam and Malami with several
scandals.
Nigerian leaders - IBB, Yar'adua, Buhari, and even
Tinubu now, with all the billions allocated to health, can't even
tolerate getting more than 1st Aid in Nigeria. Functionless leaders. |
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