Muhammadu Buhari dies at 82, bringing to an end a career that spanned decades of military rule and democratic leadership in Nigeria. He passed away in a London clinic after falling ill during a routine check-up in April. The news marks the close of one of Nigeria’s most influential and divisive political lives.
Born in December 1942 in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari came of age during British colonial rule. He lost his father at the age of four and was raised by his Kanuri mother. He joined the Nigerian Military Training College in the early 1960s and later trained in the United Kingdom, beginning a long career in the armed forces. His rise was swift; by the mid-1970s, he governed Nigeria’s northeast and served as petroleum commissioner under General Olusegun Obasanjo.
In December 1983, Buhari seized power in a coup that overthrew the democratically elected government of Shehu Shagari. His 20-month rule as military head of state left a lasting impression. He launched a strict campaign against corruption and public indiscipline, often using authoritarian tactics. Supporters admired his integrity and discipline, but critics decried the suppression of free speech and the imprisonment of opponents, including iconic musician Fela Kuti.
After being deposed in 1985 and jailed for over three years, Buhari reemerged in civilian politics, branding himself a born-again democrat. He ran unsuccessfully for president three times before finally defeating Goodluck Jonathan in 2015, becoming Nigeria’s first opposition candidate to win an election. His win was historic, boosted by his military reputation and northern support amid public frustration over widespread corruption.
As president, Buhari vowed to end the Boko Haram insurgency, curb corruption, and revive the economy. However, his administration struggled to deliver on these promises. Violence persisted in the northeast, and Nigeria faced new challenges, including banditry in the northwest and widespread school kidnappings. His economic policies, such as banning rice imports to encourage local farming, instead fueled inflation. Food prices soared, with the cost of a 50kg bag of rice rising from 7,500 to 60,000 naira.
Buhari’s leadership style remained controversial. He was slow to form a cabinet, earning him the nickname “Baba Go Slow.” Critics said he often appeared indifferent during national crises and accused him of being unresponsive. He spent long stretches abroad for medical treatment but never disclosed details of his condition. Calls for accountability went unanswered, further eroding public trust.
During his final years in office, Buhari’s influence seemed to wane. He appeared detached from his party’s affairs during the 2023 election. A last-minute currency redesign was seen by many as a political move to affect the outcome, though Bola Tinubu ultimately emerged victorious. Buhari continued to defend his military-era policies, insisting he simply enforced Nigeria’s laws at the time. He showed little remorse for jailing journalists or suppressing dissent.
Buhari married twice and fathered ten children. His second wife, Aisha Halilu, played a visible role during his presidency. Though she sometimes publicly criticized his administration, she remained a powerful figure by his side.
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His legacy remains complex. Admirers will remember him as a disciplined reformer who despised corruption and believed in law and order. Detractors will recall a leader who often failed to act decisively and who allowed insecurity and economic hardship to fester. Either way, his death represents the end of an era in Nigerian politics.
