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Muhammadu Buhari: His Life, Leadership & Legacy

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 14th, 2025.

Muhammadu Buhari: His Life, Leadership & Legacy

From his early days in Daura, Buhari was called upon twice to steer Nigeria through turbulent periods: first in 1984 as a dynamic young general, and again in 2015 as a seasoned statesman motivated by deep patriotic resolve.

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A Soldier-Turned-Head of State

Nigeria will always remember Muhammadu Buhari—decorated military officer turned president, a journey that mirrored that of Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo. He held the nation’s highest office twice: once as military ruler in the ’80s, and later, democratically elected in the 2010s. Upon his passing at 82, the country mourned, reflecting on a life marked by modesty, integrity, transparency, and public service. It truly marked the end of an era.

What set him apart was his uncompromising stance against corruption. His ascetic lifestyle and disdain for graft became emblematic of his character and governance. After being ousted in a peaceful coup in August 1985, Buhari made a remarkable comeback three decades later, distinguishing himself from figures like Ibrahim Babangida, who never returned to power.

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Military Career & Governance

Buhari held himself to strict military discipline. While he could be warm, he remained focused, no-nonsense, and never flirted with grandeur. Responding to calls from influential northern leaders amid coup-driven unrest in Egypt and Sudan, he joined the army alongside peers like Mamman Vatsa and Gado Nasko—part of a deliberate strategy to preserve northern influence in government.

By 1967, he was on the frontlines defending Nigeria’s unity during the Biafran War. In 1975, he was appointed governor of the Northeastern State by Gen. Murtala Mohammed. Soon after, he joined the Supreme Military Council, became Federal Commissioner for Petroleum, led the NNPC, and also served as Military Secretary ahead of the 1979 civilian handover.

As head of the Third Armoured Division, he led Nigerian forces into Chad to confront foreign incursions—actions justified by national security needs. Within a year, the military toppled the government, placing Buhari in charge. His regime detained former presidents, governors, and officials accused of corruption, some permanently.

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“War Against Indiscipline” & Iron Rule

Buhari’s regime, alongside General Tunde Idiagbon, launched the War Against Indiscipline—designed to enforce societal order and curb corruption. Their methods included sweeping decrees and severe penalties:

Retroactive enforcement led to executions of drug traffickers caught before the relevant decree.

Journalists were imprisoned under press restrictions.

Traditional leaders in Ife and Kano were placed under house arrest for travel violations.

When asked about returning power to civilians, Buhari ominously stated, “maybe in ten years.”

His rule extended into Nigeria’s democratic institutions: he suspended projects like Lagos’s metro and authorized raids—such as the one on Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s home. Critics accused him of high-handedness and unilateralism. After he was deposed in 1985, no evidence of wrongdoing emerged against him or his deputy.

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Return to Public Life & Emerging as a Politician

Following years in obscurity, Buhari reemerged as the head of the Petroleum Trust Fund under Gen. Sani Abacha—achieving notable improvements in national infrastructure.

He entered politics through the APP (later ANPP), driven by concerns over economic mismanagement, currency decline, insecurity, and corruption. Despite strong northern support, his early presidential bids in 2003, 2007, and 2011 all failed. In 2011, he ran under CPC, but was defeated again.

In 2013, Buhari’s CPC joined forces with major opposition parties, forming the All Progressives Congress (APC). For the 2015 election, he teamed up with Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, balancing region and faith. Crucially, the APC’s cohesive campaign led to his historic defeat of incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

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From Barracks to Aso Villa: Transition to Democracy

As head of state in the ’80s, Buhari wielded near-absolute power. Twenty-five years later, his presidency unfolded within democratic checks and balances—legislative oversight, judicial independence, and free press. Gone were draconian decrees; scrutiny and accountability defined governance.

His hallmark slogan—“Change”—loyally addressed national fatigue with status quo politics. Though initial victories included bailouts for struggling states, personal asset declarations, and the introduction of a Treasury Single Account, his administration was slow to appoint ministers and an economic team. Many officials carried over from the previous government, diluting his reform momentum. Accusations of a “cabal” and weak party discipline added to the challenge.

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Achievements & Challenges

Security & Infrastructure

Ordered firm action against Boko Haram. While some captives were freed, others like Leah Sharibu remain missing.

Responded seriously to COVID-19 and heeded widespread protests to dissolve SARS.

Energy challenges persisted. Despite investments, power supply remained erratic.

Oil & Economy

Nigeria remained a net importer of refined fuel, with refineries failing to deliver. Rampant oil theft sparked allegations of institutional corruption.

Supported the regional Amotekun security structure, and honored June 12 as Democracy Day—also acknowledging Chief MKO Abiola’s rightful win.

Education & Governance

Established new universities.

Spent 103 days hospitalized in London; rumors of cloning and polygamy circulated online but were firmly denied.

Just before exiting office, he passed a bill decentralizing rail transport and removed the longstanding fuel subsidy.

A currency redesign by the CBN triggered nationwide upheaval six months before his term ended.

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Final Years & Legacy

Buhari quietly paved the way for his successor, President Bola Tinubu, handing over power on May 29, 2023. He never publicly criticized Tinubu’s administration—even as many former allies left the APC—and consistently reaffirmed his loyalty to the party.

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Muhammadu Buhari’s career spanned Nigeria’s most defining transformations—military rule, civil war, democratic resurgence, and modern governance. Though controversial, his relentless anti-corruption drive, disciplined image, and deep patriotism left a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s political landscape.