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.
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Quick facts
| Full name | Muhammadu Buhari |
|---|---|
| Born | 17 December 1942, Daura, Katsina State |
| Died | 13 July 2025, London (aged 82); buried in Daura on 15 July 2025 |
| Offices | President (2015–2023); Head of State (1983–1985); Federal Commissioner for Petroleum (1976–1978); Governor of North-Eastern State (1975–1976) |
| Party | All Progressives Congress (APC) |
| Military training | Mons Officer Cadet School, UK; Defence Services Staff College, India; US Army War College (master’s, 1980) |
| Rank | Major General (retired) |
| Spouse | Aisha Buhari |
Early life
Buhari was born in Daura, Katsina State, to a Fulani family, and was one of many children of his father, Adamu. His father died when he was young and he was raised by his mother, Zulaihat. He attended Katsina Provincial Secondary School from 1956 to 1961, then joined the army.
Military career
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. He served in the Nigerian Civil War and later held senior positions: Governor of the North-Eastern State (1975–1976), Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources (1976–1978), chairman of the NNPC and General Officer Commanding of several divisions. He also studied at the US Army War College.
Head of State (1983–1985)
Buhari became Head of State after the military coup of 31 December 1983 that ended the Second Republic. His government launched the War Against Indiscipline (WAI), which pushed for queuing, punctuality and public order, and set up tribunals to try politicians accused of corruption.
Supporters remember the era for discipline and an anti-corruption drive. Critics remember harsh decrees: detention without trial, a law used to jail journalists, and the treatment of critics such as the musician Fela Kuti. He was overthrown by General Ibrahim Babangida on 27 August 1985 and detained in Benin City until 1988.
The PTF years
Under General Sani Abacha, Buhari chaired the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), which used extra oil revenue for roads, hospitals and schools across the country.
Four attempts at the presidency
- 2003 — ANPP candidate, lost to Olusegun Obasanjo;
- 2007 — ANPP candidate, lost to Umaru Musa Yar’Adua;
- 2011 — CPC candidate, lost to Goodluck Jonathan;
- 2015 — APC candidate, defeated the incumbent Jonathan — the first time an opposition candidate won a presidential election in Nigeria.
President (2015–2023)
Buhari took office on 29 May 2015 and was re-elected in 2019, defeating Atiku Abubakar. His eight years included:
- Pushing Boko Haram out of many territories it held, though insecurity spread to banditry and kidnapping in the North-West and North-Central;
- Expanding the Treasury Single Account and a high-profile anti-corruption campaign, which critics said targeted opponents more than allies;
- The National Social Investment Programme, including N-Power for young graduates and cash transfers;
- Infrastructure such as the Lagos–Ibadan railway and the completion of the Second Niger Bridge;
- 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.
He handed over to Bola Tinubu on 29 May 2023 and retired to Daura.
