Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Northern Region of British Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari embarked on a career in the Nigerian Army after graduating from the Nigerian Military Training College in 1962. He saw active service during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), rising through the ranks to Major General. In December 1983, he led a bloodless coup that ousted the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari, citing rampant corruption and economic mismanagement. As Head of State (1983–1985), Buhari imposed strict austerity measures and a “War Against Indiscipline,” which improved public order but drew criticism for human rights abuses and the curtailment of political freedoms.




After being overthrown in a palace coup in August 1985, Buhari spent several years in detention before re-emerging as a perennial presidential candidate. He stood for election in 2003, 2007, and 2011, gradually building a reputation as a staunch anti-corruption crusader. His persistence paid off in 2015 when, at age 72, he was elected President, defeating incumbent Goodluck Jonathan. He was re-elected in 2019.


During his two terms (2015–2023), President Buhari made the fight against graft the centerpiece of his administration. He established special anti-corruption tribunals and oversaw the recovery of billions of naira in misappropriated funds. Critics, however, argued that some of his measures were selective and entangled in political motives.


On the security front, his tenure was dominated by the insurgency of Boko Haram in the northeast and rising banditry in the northwest. While his government claimed territorial gains against extremist groups and a reduction in high-profile attacks, civilian casualties and displacement reached historic highs. Analysts note that despite military successes, underlying social and economic drivers of unrest remained largely unaddressed.


In economic policy, Buhari’s government grappled with fluctuating oil prices, foreign exchange shortages, and recession in 2016. His administration promoted agricultural reforms and pushed for local content in the oil industry. By the end of his second term, Nigeria had returned to modest growth, but unemployment and poverty levels remained elevated.


President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Buhari’s successor, described the news as “a great loss to our nation,” ordering flags at half-mast and declaring a seven-day period of national mourning. In a televised address, he paid tribute to Buhari’s “unyielding patriotism” and “dedication to the principles of democracy,” noting that Buhari had been a personal mentor during Tinubu’s rise in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).


Opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lauded Buhari’s anti-corruption stance but urged Nigerians to learn from his administration’s shortcomings on human rights and governance. Civil society organizations were more divided; some praised his integrity while others highlighted persistent challenges in transparency and civil liberties.


World leaders and international organizations flooded diplomatic channels with condolences. British Prime Minister [Name] remarked on Buhari’s role in strengthening UK–Nigeria ties, while U.S. President [Name] hailed him as a “partner in the fight against terrorism and corruption.” The African Union and ECOWAS announced special memorial sessions to honor his contributions to regional stability.


A devout Muslim, Buhari married Safinatu Yusuf in 1971; the couple had five children before her death in the 1978 crash of Nigerian Airways Flight 825. He later married Aisha Muhammadu Buhari in 1989, and they had one daughter together. Aisha Buhari became an influential First Lady, championing women’s education and healthcare initiatives.


Away from politics, Buhari maintained a quiet personal life, famously residing in government-provided housing without ostentation. He supported several philanthropic causes, notably healthcare facilities in Katsina State and scholarships for underprivileged students through the Muhammadu Buhari Foundation.


The federal government has announced that Buhari’s remains will be flown home to Nigeria this week. A State Vigil is slated for the State House Conference Center in Abuja, followed by a funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah) at the National Mosque. The burial is expected on Friday, July 18, at the Daura family compound, in accordance with Islamic rites.


A multi-faith memorial service will be held at the Eagles Square, Abuja, providing an opportunity for public figures, diplomats, and citizens to pay their respects. The government has invited delegations from over 50 countries, alongside regional bodies, to attend the state funeral.



Muhammadu Buhari’s life spanned pivotal chapters in Nigeria’s history from military rule and civil war to the advent of enduring democracy. His tenure embodied both the promise of reform and the perils of centralized power. As Nigeria navigates its next era under new leadership, the legacy of Buhari’s struggle against corruption, his vision for national unity, and the lessons of his administration will undoubtedly shape the nation’s trajectory for years to come.