Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari passed away at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy that encapsulates Nigeria's turbulent political history over the past fifty years. A figure often seen in dark glasses and traditional attire, Buhari's life was marked by key events that reshaped the nation's governance, illustrating his evolution from military leader to democratic statesman.
Buhari’s military career began immediately after school, leading him to regional command positions before he became a military ruler following a coup in 1983, which ousted then-President Shehu Shagari. While Buhari denied having orchestrated the coup, some sources argue he played an active role in the takeover. After assuming control, his two-year reign was characterized by a staunch campaign against corruption but marred by human rights violations. The military junta that succeeded him eventually placed him under house arrest.
After a lengthy absence from political life, Buhari re-entered the arena in 2003 as a candidate for the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) but faced defeats in the elections of that year as well as in 2007 and 2011 despite building a solid supporter base. His focus on combatting corruption and insecurity helped him gain traction among younger voters, particularly in his northern home region.
Buhari finally achieved electoral success in 2015, defeating incumbent Goodluck Jonathan, thus becoming the first opposition candidate to secure a general election victory in Nigeria’s history. This pivotal moment was captured when Jonathan publicly conceded to Buhari. However, his administration faced numerous challenges, including an economic recession and security issues. Notably, his controversial comments about his wife drew public scrutiny.
Despite difficulties, Buhari was re-elected in 2019, representing a significant player in Africa's economy and maintaining a presence on the global stage, attending major summits and meeting with international leaders, including President Barack Obama and later Donald Trump.
Following his death at a London clinic, Buhari is remembered differently among Nigerians. Some criticize him for failing to fulfill his promises and suppressing dissent, while others recognize him as a leader with a commitment to his nation, as noted by Jonathan's tribute to Buhari’s patriotic dedication to service.
