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| Nigeria Mourns Muhammadu Buhari’s Passing at 82 |
He was born on December 17, 1942 in Daura, Nigeria. He grew up in a large family as the youngest of 23 children. His father was a local chief. His early years shaped his sense of duty.
He joined the army in 1961. He rose through the ranks over two decades. In 1975, he helped end a coup and won praise for calm leadership. He then led the nation’s major oil agency.
In December 1983 he seized power in a coup. He ruled for 20 months as head of state. He fought graft and indiscipline in the public service. He barred public servants from late work and strict curfews.
He closed some schools and coal mines. He jailed journalists and critics. His rule drew mixed views. Supporters saw him as firm. Critics saw him as harsh.
After his overthrow in August 1985, he retired from public life. He ran for president in 2003, 2007 and 2011 but lost each time. He spoke on moral values and anti-corruption in each campaign.
In 2015, he won the presidency as an opposition candidate. It was the first time an incumbent lost power in Nigeria. He ran on a promise to fight graft and improve security.
He ordered a major anti-corruption drive. He froze bank accounts of top officials and recovered stolen funds. He set up special courts for graft cases. He saw some high-profile convictions.
His critics said he was selective. They said cases targeted rivals more than allies. Some key figures escaped trial. Many cases stalled in court.
He faced Boko Haram’s violence in the northeast. He deployed troops and declared a “state of emergency.” He reclaimed territory but attacks on schools and villages continued.
He launched a cash-swap policy in 2014 to curb graft. It caused long bank lines and cash shortages. Many traders and farmers struggled. He defended the move as needed to flush out fake notes.
His tenure saw slow economic growth. Oil prices fell. He cut fuel subsidies in 2020. That sparked protests and strikes. He said the cuts would free funds for roads and power.
Unemployment rose over 33%. Youth protests swelled in major cities. The #EndSARS movement in 2020 decried police brutality. Security forces fired on demonstrators in Lagos and Abuja. Many died. He ordered probes but no top officer faced trial .
He won a second term in 2019 with 56% of the vote. Voter turnout was low. Observers noted reports of ballot box snatching and vote-buying. He vowed to improve democracy but fell short.
He spent over 150 days abroad for medical treatment in the UK. Critics called it a “government-in-London.” His absence spurred rumors and deepened distrust. He returned each time without major change.
He left office in May 2023. He handed power to Bola Tinubu of his party. He had served eight years, the maximum under Nigeria’s constitution.
He taught at staff colleges and military schools after leaving office. He started a foundation for governance and youth training. He spoke at global forums on Nigeria’s former leader, Muhammadu Buhari, passed away on July 13, 2025 in London. He was 82 years old. His death came after months of treatment for a prolonged illness. President Bola Tinubu’s office confirmed the news on social media. The nation has entered a period of official mourning, with flags at half-staff and tributes from around the world .
Born on December 17, 1942 in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari was the youngest of 23 children. He joined the Nigerian Army at age 19 and trained at military academies in India and Britain. He rose to major‐general by 1983. In December of that year he led a coup that ousted President Shehu Shagari. He ruled as military head of state for 20 months before his own removal in August 1985 .
As military ruler, Buhari earned praise for cracking down on corruption. He jailed public officials, shut brothels, and tried to reform state finances. Critics called his methods harsh and accused him of human‐rights abuses and press censorship. His stern style earned him the nickname “Discipline Commander” among supporters .
After his 1985 ouster, Buhari spent decades on the political sidelines. He formed new parties and ran for president three times—2003, 2007, and 2011—without success. He finally triumphed in 2015, becoming the first opposition candidate to unseat a sitting president in Nigeria’s history .
In civilian office, Buhari campaigned on a strict anti-corruption platform. He froze assets of suspected embezzlers and set up special courts. He also promised to revitalize agriculture and diversify an economy tied to oil. His critics said progress was slow and selective. Some accused him of targeting rivals more than allies .
Security dominated Buhari’s terms. He vowed to crush Boko Haram in the northeast. Under his rule, militants lost territory but attacks continued. Violence spread to other regions, straining local forces. The government formed special military units, but human‐rights groups reported abuses by troops and police .
In 2020, nationwide protests erupted over police brutality (the #EndSARS movement). Demonstrators sought reform of a unit accused of torture. The government resisted calls for disbandment. Security forces fired on protesters. International observers criticized the handling of the crisis .
Economy and welfare saw mixed results. Buhari’s team built roads and rail lines linking major cities. Grain reserves rose and local farms gained support. But a recession hit in 2016 after oil prices collapsed. Unemployment stayed high. Inflation pushed up food and fuel costs, sparking occasional strikes .
Buhari won a second term in 2019. He spent long periods abroad for medical treatment. Critics said his absences hampered governance. His vice president handled daily affairs at times. Despite low approval ratings, Buhari maintained strong support in the Muslim north and among older voters .
He stepped down in May 2023 as constitutionally barred from a third term. His party’s candidate, Bola Tinubu, succeeded him. Buhari left office as a respected elder statesman to many—and as a source of frustration to others who felt his promises fell short .
Good Deeds:
Cut fuel subsidy to free government funds for schools and hospitals.
Invested in rail lines linking Lagos to Abuja and coastal towns.
Launched a loan program for women and youth entrepreneurs.
Raised Nigeria’s grain reserves to curb hunger during lean seasons.
Bad Deeds:
Delayed cabinet appointments by six months in 2015, stalling policy.
Accused of bias in anti-corruption drive, picking political targets.
Oversaw security forces accused of rights abuses in protests and counterinsurgency.
Economic management blamed for slow recovery and persistent inflation.
His legacy is complex. Supporters praise his honesty and discipline. Critics cite unmet promises and heavy‐handed tactics. His life spanned colonial rule, military coups, and democratic renewal. He remains a key figure in Nigeria’s story.
May he rest in peace and face judgement for all his deeds.