Muhammadu Buhari

Biography

Muhammadu Buhari ruled Nigeria twice — first as a military head of state in 1983–1985, and then as an elected president from 2015 to 2023, after winning on his fourth attempt. He died in London on 13 July 2025, aged 82. This is the story of his life and his legacy.

Career history

1. 1956

   He attended Katsina Provincial Secondary School from 1956 to 1961, then joined the army.

2. 1963

   He trained at the Nigerian Military Training College and at Mons Officer Cadet School in England, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1963.

3. 1983

   Buhari became Head of State after the military coup of 31 December 1983 that ended the Second Republic.

4. 1985

   He was overthrown by General Ibrahim Babangida on 27 August 1985 and detained in Benin City until 1988.

5. 1989

   He was first married to Safinatu Yusuf, and in 1989 married Aisha Halilu, who became First Lady.

6. 2015

   Buhari took office on 29 May 2015 and was re-elected in 2019, defeating Atiku Abubakar.

7. 2016

   Two recessions (2016 and 2020), long medical trips abroad, the #EndSARS protests of October 2020, the 2021–2022 Twitter ban and the painful naira redesign of 2022–2023.

8. 2023

   He handed over to Bola Tinubu on 29 May 2023 and retired to Daura.

9. 2025

   He died in London on 13 July 2025, aged 82.

Quick facts