Muhammadu Buhari: The Legacy of Nigeria's Former Military Ruler and Democratic President

July 16, 2025


Table of Contents

Former Nigerian leader Muhammadu Buhari, who served as both military ruler and democratically elected president, has died at age 82. This article examines his complex legacy and impact on Africa's most populous nation.

Early Life and Military Career

Muhammadu Buhari was born in December 1942 in Daura, Katsina state, in northern Nigeria near the Niger border. His father died when he was four, leaving his mother to raise him among his many siblings (he was his father's 23rd child).

After attending boarding school in Katsina, Buhari joined the Nigerian Military Training College, beginning a military career that would shape his worldview. He received officer training in the UK (1962-1963) and rose steadily through the ranks during Nigeria's turbulent post-independence period.

"I was lucky to have experienced tough environments like boarding school and the military, which taught me to work hard." — Muhammadu Buhari

First Rule: Military Leadership (1983-1985)

Buhari first came to national prominence as military governor of the northeast region (1975-1976) and later as federal commissioner for petroleum under General Olusegun Obasanjo.

In December 1983, Major-General Buhari became Nigeria's military ruler following a coup against elected President Shehu Shagari. His 20-month regime was marked by:

  • A "War Against Indiscipline" featuring public order campaigns
  • Anti-corruption drives that jailed 500 officials
  • Controversial press restrictions
  • Economic policies including currency changes

While remembered for its authoritarian measures, this period established Buhari's reputation for personal integrity in a country plagued by corruption.

The Political Journey to Presidency

After being ousted in 1985 and imprisoned for 40 months, Buhari entered democratic politics following Nigeria's return to civilian rule in 1999. His path to the presidency included:

  • Three failed presidential bids (2003, 2007, 2011)
  • Historic 2015 victory as first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent
  • Re-election in 2019 despite growing criticism

Buhari's appeal stemmed from his perceived incorruptibility and military background, which many hoped would address Nigeria's security challenges, particularly the Boko Haram insurgency.

Presidency (2015-2023): Promises and Challenges

Buhari's presidency coincided with significant challenges:

Key Campaign Promises

  • Defeating Boko Haram
  • Tackling corruption
  • Creating jobs for youth
  • Economic diversification

Major Challenges

  • Global oil price slump affecting Nigeria's oil-dependent economy
  • Continued Boko Haram threat despite territorial gains
  • Rise in farmer-herder violence
  • Banditry in northwest Nigeria

Economic Policies and Impact

Buhari's economic legacy is mixed, marked by:

  • Rice import ban: Aimed at boosting local production but led to price surges (from ₦7,500 to ₦60,000 per 50kg bag)
  • Naira redesign (2023): Controversial currency swap policy that caused cash shortages
  • Recession: Nigeria entered its worst economic crisis in decades during his tenure

The economic hardships led to his "Baba Go Slow" nickname and eroded some of his northern support base.

Security Challenges

Despite military successes against Boko Haram, security deteriorated in other areas:

  • Expansion of bandit groups in northwest
  • Persistent farmer-herder conflicts
  • 2020 Lekki tollgate shooting of #EndSARS protesters

Critics accused Buhari, a Fulani, of not doing enough to address violence involving Fulani herders.

Personal Life and Health

Buhari married twice (Safinatu Yusuf until 1988, then Aisha Halilu) and had 10 children. His health struggles led to:

  • Extended medical trips to London
  • Questions about transparency regarding his fitness for office
  • Periods of reduced visibility during his presidency

Assessing Buhari's Legacy

Buhari's complex legacy includes:

Positive Aspects

  • Rare reputation for personal integrity among Nigerian leaders
  • Historic democratic transition in 2015
  • Infrastructure projects including railways and roads

Criticisms

  • Slow governance pace ("Baba Go Slow")
  • Economic hardships under his watch
  • Failure to fully address security challenges
  • Perceived nepotism in appointments
"Yes, we are slow because the system is slow. It's not Baba that is slow but it is the system." — Buhari on his governance pace

As Nigeria continues to grapple with many of the same challenges Buhari faced, history will ultimately judge whether his leadership moved the nation forward or missed crucial opportunities for transformation.

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