MUHAMMADU BUHARI: A LIFE OF MILITARY RIGOR AND POLITICAL STRUGGLE
From soldier to president, Buhari’s journey shaped Nigeria’s modern history.
Muhammadu Buhari, born December 17, 1942, in Daura, Nigeria, was a military man turned politician whose life was marked by discipline, resilience, and controversy. After training in Nigeria, Britain, India, and the US, he rose through the army ranks and played a key role in the 1975 coup that changed Nigeria’s leadership. He served as military governor of the North Eastern State and later as military head of state from 1983 to 1985, a period defined by a strict anti-corruption campaign and efforts to instill discipline, though his regime also curtailed political freedoms.
After years away from power and three unsuccessful presidential bids, Buhari made history in 2015 by becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president in Nigeria’s democratic era. His presidency (2015–2023) focused on fighting corruption, battling Boko Haram insurgency, and economic reform, but also faced criticism over security challenges and human rights issues. Known for his stern demeanour and incorruptible image, Buhari left a complex legacy when he stepped down in 2023.
He passed away on July 13, 2025, in London, closing a significant chapter in Nigeria’s political story.
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