The Life and Times of Former President Muhammadu Buhari

Early Life and Education

• Muhammadu Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria, to Adamu and Zulaiha Buhari. He was the twenty-third child of his father and was raised by his mother after his father’s death when Buhari was about four years old.

• He attended primary school in Daura and Maidua (1948–1952), then Katsina Middle School (1953), and later Katsina Provincial Secondary School (now Government College, Katsina) from 1956 to 1961, where he earned his West African School Certificate.

Military Career

• Buhari joined the Nigerian Army in 1961, enrolling at the Nigerian Military Training College, Kaduna. He later trained at Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1963.

• He held several significant military positions:

  • Platoon Commander, Second Infantry Battalion, Abeokuta

  • Brigade Major, First Infantry Division during the Nigerian Civil War

  • Military Governor of North Eastern State (now Borno) in 1975

  • Federal Commissioner for Petroleum Resources under Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo

  • Chairman, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)

  • General Officer Commanding, 4th Infantry Division and 3rd Armoured Division.

• Buhari was involved in key coups, including the 1975 coup that ousted Yakubu Gowon and the 1983 coup that brought him to power as Head of State.

Military Head of State (1983–1985)

• Buhari became Nigeria’s Military Head of State on December 31, 1983, after a coup that overthrew the civilian government of Shehu Shagari.

• His regime is remembered for:

  • Launching the “War Against Indiscipline” (WAI) to instill order and civic responsibility

  • Enacting tough anti-corruption and anti-drug trafficking laws, with severe penalties

  • Implementing strict economic measures and currency controls

  • Human rights criticisms, including the detention of politicians and journalists without trial.

• Buhari’s government was overthrown in August 1985 by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

Later Public Service

• Buhari was appointed Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) in 1994, overseeing projects in infrastructure, education, health, and water supply.

• His tenure at PTF was marked by a reputation for discipline and incorruptibility.

Political Career and Democratic Presidency

• Buhari entered politics in 2003, contesting for president under the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) but lost. He also ran in 2007 (ANPP) and 2011 (Congress for Progressive Change), each time unsuccessfully.

• In 2015, as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Buhari won the presidential election, defeating incumbent Goodluck Jonathan—the first time an incumbent lost a re-election bid in Nigeria.

• He was re-elected in 2019, defeating Atiku Abubakar.

Achievements as President (2015–2023)

• Buhari’s administration prioritized fighting corruption, improving security, and revamping the economy.

• Major achievements included:

  • Signing over 30 bills into law, including the Not Too Young to Run Bill and the Electoral Amendment Act.

  • Launching Nigeria’s most ambitious infrastructure program since independence, including new rail lines, the Second Niger Bridge, and major road projects.

  • Modernizing airports and ports, and establishing the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria (InfraCorp).

  • Strengthening the military with new aircraft and equipment, and recruiting thousands of security personnel.

  • Initiating social investment programs and policies to support agriculture and local industries.

• His presidency faced challenges:

  • Economic recession in 2016 due to falling oil prices, with gradual recovery by 2018.

  • Persistent security threats from Boko Haram, banditry, and secessionist movements.

  • Criticisms over human rights, press freedom, and the handling of protests.

Personal Life

• Buhari was married twice: first to Safinatu Yusuf (1971–1988, divorced; she died in 2006), and then to Aisha Halilu since 1989. He had ten children.

• He was known for his modest lifestyle and declared relatively modest assets upon assuming office in 2015.

• Buhari was a devout Muslim and maintained a strong connection to his cultural roots in Katsina.

Final Years and Death

• Buhari’s health was often a topic of public discussion, with several medical trips abroad during his presidency.

• He passed away on July 13, 2025, in London after a period of illness.

Legacy

• Buhari is remembered as a leader who sought to instill discipline, fight corruption, and modernize Nigeria’s infrastructure.

• His legacy remains mixed, with supporters praising his integrity and critics highlighting economic and security challenges during his tenure.