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In the complex and often tumultuous tapestry of Nigerian history, few figures have loomed as large and as divisively as General Muhammadu Buhari. From his ascension as a no-nonsense military ruler in the 1980s to his return as a democratically elected president decades later, Buhari’s legacy is a study in contrasts—one steeped in ideals of discipline and integrity but also marred by authoritarian tendencies, allegations of incompetence, and enduring controversy.

Early Life and Military Ascendancy

Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, a historic town in present-day Katsina State, Muhammadu Buhari grew up in a modest Fulani household. The 23rd child of his father, his early life was defined by Islamic education and a strong sense of discipline—traits that would later characterize his public persona.

At age 19, Buhari joined the Nigerian Military Training College (NMTC) in 1961 and was subsequently trained at prestigious institutions abroad, including the Mons Officer Cadet School in the United Kingdom. His military career spanned key phases of Nigeria’s post-independence era, including participation in the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), during which he commanded a battalion. He rose rapidly through the ranks, eventually becoming Governor of the North-Eastern State (1975–1976) and later Federal Commissioner for Petroleum Resources under General Olusegun Obasanjo.

The 1983 Coup and Military Rule

Nigeria in the early 1980s was gripped by rampant corruption, economic decline, and political instability. Following what was widely seen as a flawed 1983 general election, on December 31, 1983, Major General Buhari led a military coup that overthrew the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari.

As Head of State from 1983 to 1985, Buhari introduced a draconian regime under the guise of a “War Against Indiscipline (WAI),” which sought to restore order and accountability. Public flogging of tardy civil servants, queues enforced by military men, and a climate of fear became hallmarks of his short-lived regime.

His government enacted retroactive decrees, jailed politicians and journalists without trial, and showed little tolerance for dissent. One of the most infamous episodes was the abduction attempt of Umaru Dikko, a former minister, from the UK in a diplomatic crate—a plot that failed and damaged Nigeria’s international image.

Despite these excesses, many Nigerians viewed Buhari as incorruptible and genuinely committed to fighting corruption—an image that would later serve as political capital in his civilian life.

Overthrown and Detained

On August 27, 1985, Buhari was overthrown in a palace coup led by General Ibrahim Babangida, his Chief of Army Staff. Accused of being inflexible and autocratic, Buhari was detained for over three years, mostly in Benin City, without charge. During this time, his stature as a principled but rigid nationalist grew, particularly among those who believed Nigeria needed strong leadership.

Return to Democracy and Political Reinvention

Following Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999, Buhari emerged from political retirement to enter the democratic fray. He contested the presidency in 2003, 2007, and 2011 under various platforms—ANPP and later CPC—but lost all three times, each election tainted by irregularities.

Undeterred, Buhari allied with political opponents and civil society figures to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013. Riding a wave of discontent against the Goodluck Jonathan administration—marked by insecurity, economic downturn, and accusations of massive corruption—Buhari won the 2015 presidential election, becoming the first Nigerian to defeat an incumbent president at the ballot box.

Civilian Presidency: Promise vs Performance

As President from 2015 to 2023, Buhari’s government was anchored on three central promises: fighting corruption, tackling insecurity, and revamping the economy.

Anti-Corruption Crusade

His anti-graft war scored some victories: several politically exposed persons were investigated and convicted, including former governors and military chiefs. The Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy and the Whistleblower Programme gained commendation for improving transparency.

However, critics accused the administration of selective justice, as many alleged cases involving APC loyalists were either ignored or slow-walked. The Maina scandal, involving the reinstatement of a fugitive pension boss, and questions around recovered loots raised doubts about the sincerity of the anti-corruption drive.

Insecurity and Insurgency

One of Buhari’s strongest campaign appeals was his military background and a promise to decisively defeat Boko Haram. Although initial progress was made in reclaiming territories, the insurgency morphed into a prolonged asymmetrical war. Worse still, banditry, kidnapping, and herdsmen-farmer clashes surged, especially in the North West and North Central.

By his second term, Nigeria was grappling with a multi-layered security crisis, with citizens across the nation feeling unsafe, leading some commentators to describe his leadership as distant and reactive.

Economy and Governance

The Nigerian economy fell into recession twice under Buhari—in 2016 and 2020. Despite infrastructure initiatives such as the Second Niger Bridge, railway revitalization, and agricultural interventions, high inflation, unemployment, and a depreciating naira continued to erode living standards.

Many Nigerians accused Buhari of nepotism in appointments, citing disproportionate representation of northern Muslims in key security and government positions.

The Certificate Controversy

Perhaps one of the most enduring controversies of Buhari’s political career is the question surrounding his secondary school certificate. During his 2015 campaign, it emerged that his West African School Certificate (WASC) was not submitted to the electoral body, leading to legal challenges and public outcry.

Buhari maintained that the certificate was with the military board, and later the Government College Katsina (formerly Provincial Secondary School) released a result sheet listing his grades. Nonetheless, the saga contributed to persistent skepticism about transparency and credibility within the Nigerian political elite.

Rumours of Death and Allegations of a ‘Clone’

Between 2017 and 2018, Buhari was absent from public view for months due to an undisclosed illness treated in London. During this time, rumors swirled on social media that he had died and been replaced by a body double from Sudan named “Jubril of Sudan.” Despite denials and public appearances, the bizarre claim persisted in fringe circles, underscoring the deep mistrust and conspiracy-laden political atmosphere.

Final Years and Post-Presidency

Buhari completed his second term on May 29, 2023, and was succeeded by Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He returned to his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, expressing a desire to live a quiet life as a “former president.”

However, he continued to make occasional public statements, defend his record, and receive visitors, both local and foreign. His administration remains a subject of scholarly interest and heated public debate.

On July 12, 2025, multiple news reports confirmed his death in London, after a prolonged illness. President Tinubu, announcing his passing, described him as a “patriot who served Nigeria with dedication,” while reactions across the country were mixed—some mourned him as a father of modern Nigerian conservatism, others recalled his legacy with deep ambivalence.

Legacy: An Enigma in Uniform and Agbada

Muhammadu Buhari’s life is emblematic of Nigeria’s postcolonial struggle between order and freedom, military authoritarianism and democratic governance, as well as idealism and realpolitik.

To his supporters, he was a symbol of discipline, incorruptibility, and patriotism, a man who remained aloof from the trappings of power and tried to right the ship of state. To his critics, he was a rigid, nepotistic, and underwhelming leader who squandered goodwill and failed to meet the demands of a complex, modern democracy.

Whether history ultimately vindicates or condemns him, Muhammadu Buhari remains an indelible figure—one who shaped Nigeria’s political landscape over half a century and whose story reflects both the promise and peril of leadership in Africa’s most populous nation.

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