By Atoyebi Nike
The death of former President Muhammadu Buhari at 82 marks the end of a historic chapter in Nigeria’s political evolution. Spanning military coups and democratic elections, Buhari’s public life was one of the most consequential in Nigeria’s modern history.
Born in Daura, Katsina State, on December 17, 1942, Buhari joined the Nigerian Military Training College in 1962 and quickly rose through the ranks. He fought in the Nigerian Civil War and later held key military positions, including Governor of North-Eastern State in 1975 and Federal Commissioner for Petroleum Resources under the Obasanjo regime.
His ascent to national leadership came on December 31, 1983, when he led a military coup that overthrew the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari. As Head of State, Buhari launched the War Against Indiscipline, implementing harsh measures aimed at curbing corruption and disorder. His tenure was marked by austerity, strict economic controls, and clampdowns on civil liberties, drawing both praise and criticism.
In August 1985, Buhari was ousted in a bloodless coup by General Ibrahim Babangida, after which he spent over three years in detention. Yet, his image as an incorruptible leader took root setting the stage for his re-emergence decades later in democratic politics.
Between 2003 and 2011, Buhari ran unsuccessfully for the presidency three times, under different political platforms, gaining a loyal base, especially in Northern Nigeria. In 2013, he helped form the All Progressives Congress (APC) through a merger of major opposition parties.
His persistence paid off in 2015, when he defeated incumbent Goodluck Jonathan in a historic election, becoming Nigeria’s first opposition candidate to win the presidency. He was re-elected in 2019.
Buhari’s eight-year tenure as a civilian president was marked by notable infrastructure projects, efforts to diversify the economy through agriculture, and anti-corruption initiatives like the Treasury Single Account (TSA). However, he also faced criticism over insecurity, economic stagnation, and perceived ethnic favoritism.
From coup leader to elected president, Buhari’s political journey mirrored Nigeria’s turbulent evolution. While opinions on his legacy remain divided, few can dispute the magnitude of his influence on Nigeria’s national trajectory.
