Chronicled By Uche Cecil Izuora
Muhammadu Buhari’s life story is one of discipline, resilience, and transformation, shaped by his early upbringing, military career, and eventual emergence as a key political figure in Nigeria’s modern history. Born on December 17, 1942, in the northern town of Daura, Katsina State, Buhari was the 23rd child of Mallam Hardo Adamu, a Fulani chieftain, and his wife Zulaiha. He lost his father at a young age and was raised primarily by his mother, growing up in a modest household steeped in Islamic and traditional values. His early education began with Qur’anic studies and primary schooling in Daura and Mai’adua, followed by secondary education at Katsina Provincial Secondary School, where he excelled and served as house captain and head boy. Originally aspiring to study medicine, Buhari was advised to join the military, which set him on the path to national prominence.
In 1961, Buhari enlisted in the Nigerian Army, attending the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna, which later became the Nigerian Defence Academy. He received officer cadet training at the Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England, and furthered his military education in India and the United States, including the prestigious U.S. Army War College. His military career was marked by steady advancement and strategic assignments, including a peacekeeping mission in Congo and command roles during the Nigerian Civil War. Buhari was involved in the 1975 coup that ousted General Yakubu Gowon, after which he was appointed Military Governor of the North Eastern State (now Borno). He also served as Federal Commissioner for Petroleum Resources and chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), gaining experience in both military and administrative leadership
Military Career
At 19, Buhari joined the Nigerian Military Training College (NMTC) in Kaduna in 1961. In 1962, NMTC was upgraded and renamed the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). From 1962 to 1963, he underwent officer cadet training at the Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England. In January 1963, at age 20, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and appointed Platoon Commander of the Second Infantry Battalion in Abeokuta, Nigeria.
He attended the Platoon Commanders’ Course at NMTC Kaduna (1963–1964) and the Mechanical Transport Officers’ Course at the Army Mechanical Transport School in Borden, UK, in 1965. Buhari also trained at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, India (1973), and the United States Army War College in Washington, D.C. (1979–1980).
During the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), Buhari served as commander of the Second Infantry Battalion and was brigade major of the Second Sector, First Infantry Division. He participated in the July 1966 counter-coup, which overthrew General Aguiyi Ironsi and installed General Yakubu Gowon as head of state.
By 1975, Buhari had risen to the rank of Major General and played a key role in the coup that ousted General Yakubu Gowon, leading to General Murtala Mohammed’s rise. Buhari was appointed Military Governor of the North Eastern State (now Borno) in 1975 and later became Federal Commissioner for Petroleum Resources and Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) from 1976 to 1978 under General Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime.
In 1977, Buhari was appointed Military Secretary at the Supreme Military Headquarters, the seat of government. By 1979, he returned to regular army duties commanding a division in Kaduna.
First Tenure as Head of State (1983–1985)
On December 31, 1983, Buhari led a military coup that overthrew the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari. He was unanimously chosen as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
His regime was marked by:
1). Anti-corruption crusade: Buhari’s government prosecuted hundreds of politicians and businessmen accused of corruption.
2). Economic austerity: Implemented strict measures to stabilize Nigeria’s struggling economy.
3). War Against Indiscipline (WAI): A nationwide campaign promoting civic responsibility, orderliness, and patriotism.
4). Authoritarian policies: Press censorship, curtailment of political freedoms, and suppression of labor unions.
Despite initial popular support, his administration became unpopular due to economic hardships and perceived harshness.
On August 27, 1985, Buhari was overthrown by General Ibrahim Babangida and detained until 1988.
Transition to Civilian Politics and Presidential Elections
After his military rule, Buhari transitioned to democratic politics. He ran unsuccessfully for president in 2003, 2007, and 2011, initially as the candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). He rejected the results of the 2007 election, which he claimed was rigged. Despite setbacks, Buhari remained a prominent opposition figure.
Political career
Muhammadu Buhari’s political career is a remarkable journey that spans from military leadership to democratic governance, marked by resilience, transformation, and a lasting impact on Nigeria’s political landscape. His entry into national politics was through the military, where he rose steadily through the ranks to become a key figure in Nigeria’s armed forces. Buhari first assumed political power as the military head of state following the coup of December 31, 1983, which overthrew the democratically elected government of President Shehu Shagari. His regime was characterized by a strict anti-corruption campaign, economic austerity measures, and the famous “War Against Indiscipline,” which sought to instill civic responsibility and order among Nigerians. However, his military government was also marked by authoritarian tendencies, including restrictions on the press and political freedoms. This period of military rule ended abruptly in August 1985 when General Ibrahim Babangida led a coup that deposed Buhari, sending him into political exile and detention.
Following his release and the eventual return of Nigeria to civilian rule, Buhari transitioned into democratic politics, a move that would define the next phase of his political journey. He first ran for president in 2003 under the banner of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), but was defeated by the incumbent, Olusegun Obasanjo. Undeterred, Buhari contested again in 2007 and 2011, still under the ANPP and later the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), a party he helped establish in 2010 to challenge the dominance of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Despite limited resources and organizational challenges, Buhari’s appeal as a disciplined, incorruptible leader resonated with many Nigerians frustrated by widespread corruption and insecurity. His 2011 presidential bid saw him secure over 12 million votes, a strong showing that positioned him as the leading opposition figure.
In 2013, Buhari’s political fortunes took a decisive turn when his CPC merged with other opposition parties, including the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), to form the All Progressives Congress (APC). This coalition created a formidable political force with broad national appeal, capable of challenging the PDP’s long-standing grip on power. Buhari was chosen as the APC’s presidential candidate for the 2015 elections, and his campaign capitalized on widespread public discontent with the PDP administration, particularly over issues of corruption, economic mismanagement, and the Boko Haram insurgency.
The 2015 presidential election was historic. Buhari defeated incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, marking the first time in Nigeria’s history that an incumbent president lost a re-election bid. Sworn in on May 29, 2015, at the age of 72, Buhari became Nigeria’s oldest president at the time. His presidency was defined by a renewed commitment to fighting corruption, improving security, and revitalizing the economy. Buhari’s administration launched aggressive anti-corruption initiatives targeting public officials and sought to diversify the economy away from its heavy reliance on oil revenues. He also intensified military efforts against Boko Haram and other armed groups, aiming to restore peace in the troubled northeast and other affected regions.
However, Buhari’s tenure was not without criticism. His government was often accused of authoritarian tendencies, with concerns raised about limited press freedom and political inclusiveness. The economy faced significant challenges, including a recession in 2016, and some critics argued that the government’s response to security threats was slow and insufficient. Additionally, Buhari’s health became a subject of national concern, as he spent extended periods abroad for medical treatment, leading to questions about governance continuity.
Despite these challenges, Buhari was re-elected in 2019, defeating former Vice President Atiku Abubakar by a significant margin. He served two full terms, completing his presidency on May 29, 2023, and peacefully handing over power to his successor, an act that further cemented Nigeria’s democratic credentials.
In retirement, Buhari’s political career stands as a testament to his enduring influence on Nigerian politics. From his early days as a military ruler to his later role as a democratically elected president, Buhari’s journey reflects both the complexities and possibilities of leadership in Nigeria. His legacy is a blend of disciplined governance, a relentless fight against corruption, and a commitment to democratic principles, albeit tempered by controversies and challenges that marked his time in office.
Personal Life
Muhammadu Buhari’s personal life was marked by simplicity, discipline, and strong family ties, reflecting the values he upheld throughout his public career. Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari was raised primarily by his mother, Zulaiha Buhari, after the death of his father, Adamu Buhari, when he was about four years old. Growing up in a modest household within a Fulani Muslim family, he received his early education in Daura and Maidua before attending Katsina Middle School and later Katsina Provincial Secondary School, where he earned his West African School Certificate.
Buhari married twice. His first marriage was to Safinatu Yusuf in 1971, with whom he had children. The marriage lasted until 1988, ending in divorce. The following year, in 1989, he married Aisha Halilu, who survived him. Across his two marriages, Buhari was blessed with a total of ten children. Despite his public prominence, Buhari was known for maintaining a relatively private family life, away from the media spotlight.
Throughout his life, Buhari was known for his austere and disciplined lifestyle, traits that were evident both in his military career and political leadership. His personal integrity and reputation for incorruptibility earned him respect among many Nigerians, especially in a political environment often criticized for nepotism and graft. Buhari’s upbringing in a traditional and religious household deeply influenced his character and leadership style, emphasizing honesty, hard work, and moral rectitude.
In addition to his family responsibilities, Buhari engaged in social and community development activities, particularly in his home state of Katsina. After his military rule and during his years in civilian life, he was involved in initiatives such as the Katsina Foundation, which aimed to promote social and economic development in the region.
Overall, Buhari’s personal life reflected the values of discipline, family commitment, and service to community, which paralleled his public image as a leader dedicated to fighting corruption and promoting national unity.
Death and Legacy
Muhammadu Buhari died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82, after a prolonged illness in London. His death was officially announced by the Nigerian government, and condolences poured in from across Nigeria and internationally.
Buhari’s legacy is complex:
1). He is remembered for his discipline, anti-corruption stance, and efforts to stabilize Nigeria amid economic and security crises.
2). His military rule is often criticized for authoritarianism and human rights restrictions.
3). His democratic presidency marked a milestone in Nigeria’s political history, emphasizing peaceful power transition and democratic consolidation.
4). Buhari remains a towering figure in Nigeria’s modern history, symbolizing both military influence and democratic resilience.