MUHAMMADU BUHARI: NIGERIA'S SOLDIER-STATESMAN PASSES ON
By Amana Alkali
Buhari
Nigeria
London
Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has died at the age of 82. The spokesperson for the former President, Garba Shehu, confirmed his death on Saturday in a statement. According to the statement, the retired Major General and two-time Head of State passed away at a private clinic in London, United Kingdom, where he had been receiving medical care. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Muhammadu Buhari’s life spanned a remarkable arc of Nigeria’s turbulent political history, from military barracks to the presidential villa. His legacy is deeply interwoven with Nigeria’s journey through military coups, oil booms and busts, democratic transitions, and the enduring struggle for good governance.
From Military Ruler to Civilian President
Buhari first rose to national prominence as a soldier in the Nigerian Army, where he earned a reputation for discipline and incorruptibility. In December 1983, amid widespread economic mismanagement and corruption, he seized power through a military coup, ousting the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari. As the military Head of State from 1983 to 1985, Buhari’s regime launched a fierce “War Against Indiscipline” (WAI), cracking down on corruption and social disorder, but drawing criticism for its heavy-handedness and human rights abuses.
Buhari first rose to national prominence as a soldier in the Nigerian Army, where he earned a reputation for discipline and incorruptibility. In December 1983, amid widespread economic mismanagement and corruption, he seized power through a military coup, ousting the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari. As the military Head of State from 1983 to 1985, Buhari’s regime launched a fierce “War Against Indiscipline” (WAI), cracking down on corruption and social disorder, but drawing criticism for its heavy-handedness and human rights abuses.
Deposed by a palace coup in August 1985, Buhari retreated from the political limelight for years, only to return decades later as a democratic convert. After three unsuccessful presidential bids, he finally won the election in 2015, defeating incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan in a historic vote that marked Nigeria’s first peaceful transfer of power from one party to another.
A Presidency Defined by Integrity and Controversy
Sworn in amid high hopes, Buhari promised to tackle three major challenges: corruption, insecurity, and a struggling economy. He launched anti-graft campaigns that secured high-profile convictions and sought to recover billions in stolen assets. His government also intensified the fight against Boko Haram, reclaiming territories previously held by insurgents in Nigeria’s northeast.
Sworn in amid high hopes, Buhari promised to tackle three major challenges: corruption, insecurity, and a struggling economy. He launched anti-graft campaigns that secured high-profile convictions and sought to recover billions in stolen assets. His government also intensified the fight against Boko Haram, reclaiming territories previously held by insurgents in Nigeria’s northeast.
Yet, his administration struggled to deliver on its promises fully. The economy slid into its first recession in decades, partly due to plummeting oil prices and structural weaknesses. Critics accused Buhari of sluggish economic reforms and an over-centralized style of governance. Human rights groups raised concerns about clampdowns on dissent, press freedom, and the rule of law.
Despite the challenges, his supporters point to his personal frugality, untainted record in public service, and efforts to lay a foundation for infrastructure development and agricultural self-sufficiency. For many, he remained a symbol of austere leadership in a country often plagued by elite excess.
A Lasting Political Legacy
Buhari’s passing closes a significant chapter in Nigeria’s history, one that saw a military ruler transformed into a democratically elected leader, a rare arc on a continent where many soldiers-turned-politicians struggled to adapt to civilian rule.
Buhari’s passing closes a significant chapter in Nigeria’s history, one that saw a military ruler transformed into a democratically elected leader, a rare arc on a continent where many soldiers-turned-politicians struggled to adapt to civilian rule.
He is survived by his wife, Aisha Buhari, their children, and grandchildren. Tributes are expected to pour in from political leaders, civil society, and foreign dignitaries as Nigeria reflects on the complicated but consequential legacy of one of its most enduring political figures.
Details of national mourning and funeral arrangements are expected from the Federal Government in the coming days. As the nation mourns, many will remember Buhari as a leader who inspired both hope and debate, and whose impact will echo through Nigeria’s democratic journey for years to come.
