Muhammadu Buhari (1942–2025): The End of an Era
The death of Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a London clinic, marks the end of a monumental era in Nigerian political history. At 82, Buhari’s life spanned some of the most turbulent and transformative periods in Nigeria’s journey from independence, civil war, military coups, economic reform, democratic transitions, and anti-corruption battles.
Born on December 17, 1942, in the ancient town of Daura in present-day Katsina State, Buhari was the 23rd child of his father, Mallam Hardo Adamu, a Fulani chieftain. Named after the renowned Islamic scholar Muhammad al-Bukhari, Buhari's life bore the signature of destiny shaped by discipline, military rigor, and a deep desire for national order and integrity.
Early Life and Education
After attending Qur’anic school in his early years, Buhari moved on to formal education. He attended Katsina Middle School and later Katsina Provincial Secondary School, graduating in 1961. That same year, he joined the Nigerian Army as a cadet, eventually receiving officer training at Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1963.
Throughout his military career, Buhari pursued additional training at prestigious institutions, including the Nigerian Military Training College, the Army Mechanical Transport School in the UK, and the United States Army War College.
The Soldier Statesman: Military and Governance Roles
Buhari's rise within the military was steady. He commanded key battalions and served in pivotal roles during Nigeria’s political upheavals. He participated in the July 1966 counter-coup and played key roles in subsequent transitions, including the 1975 coup that brought General Murtala Mohammed to power.
He was appointed Governor of the North-Eastern State (now Borno, Bauchi, and Gombe States) and later served as Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources under General Olusegun Obasanjo. Buhari also became the founding chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), where he oversaw the construction of a vast oil storage and pipeline network.
Buhari as Military Head of State (1983–1985)
On December 31, 1983, Buhari came to power through a coup d’état that ousted the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari. His regime was marked by the now-famous War Against Indiscipline (WAI), a campaign aimed at restoring public morality, sanitation, accountability, and punctuality.
His government enacted tough anti-corruption laws, froze suspicious bank accounts, and established military tribunals to try corrupt officials. Although many praised his firm stance on corruption, critics decried human rights violations and media suppression under his rule.
In August 1985, Buhari’s military government was overthrown by General Ibrahim Babangida in a bloodless coup. Buhari was detained for nearly three years.
Return as a Civilian President (2015–2023)
After an extended period out of public office, Buhari re-emerged in national politics in the early 2000s. He ran for president three times, 2003, 2007, and 2011 before finally winning in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC), a coalition he helped form in 2014.
His victory over then-incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan marked the first time an opposition candidate unseated a sitting president in Nigeria’s history.
His tenure as president focused on three core pillars: anti-corruption, economic reform, and security, particularly the battle against Boko Haram in the North-East. Despite criticisms over economic stagnation and perceived ethnic favoritism, Buhari remained a central figure in Nigeria’s national identity. He was re-elected in 2019, serving a second term until 2023.
A Controversial but Unforgettable Legacy
Buhari’s civilian presidency was marred by controversies, including:
Persistent questions about his educational qualifications, which opponents tried to use to disqualify him from the 2015 elections.
Health challenges, which saw him spend extended periods abroad for treatment, especially in 2017 when he was absent for over 100 days.
Economic recessions, particularly in 2016 and during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Nonetheless, his strong anti-corruption rhetoric and frugal lifestyle resonated with many Nigerians. His 2015 asset declaration reported modest personal holdings including a herd of cattle, a few homes, and no foreign bank accounts setting him apart from the typical Nigerian elite.
A Brush With Death
In July 2014, Buhari narrowly survived an assassination attempt in Kaduna believed to be the work of Boko Haram insurgents. The incident claimed over 80 lives, but Buhari’s armored vehicle, reportedly gifted by then-Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, saved him.
Life After Office and Final Days
After handing over to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in May 2023, Buhari retired to Daura, and later to his private residence in Kaduna. He remained somewhat active, receiving visitors and offering commentary on national matters, albeit sparingly.
In a rare public moment of introspection at the end of his presidency, Buhari admitted:
“There is no doubt I hurt some people… I wish they would pardon me. Please, forgive me.”
National Mourning and Burial Plans
Buhari’s death was confirmed by his former spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, and later by President Tinubu's office. The late president passed away at approximately 4:30 p.m. on July 13, 2025, in a London clinic after an undisclosed illness.
In honour of his contributions, President Tinubu has ordered the national flag to be flown at half-mast and has dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima to escort Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria. He will be buried in Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Final Thoughts
Love him or loathe him, Muhammadu Buhari left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history. From military ruler to democratic president, from anti-corruption crusader to national symbol of resilience, his legacy will be debated for generations to come.
📣 What do you think about President Buhari’s legacy?
💬 Share your thoughts in the comments.
🕯️ May his soul rest in peace.
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