By Henry Ojelu
Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s former military Head of State turned civilian President, stands as one of the most influential and polarizing figures in the country’s political history.
Known for his austere personal lifestyle, anti-corruption crusade, and strongman image, Buhari’s leadership spans pivotal moments in Nigeria’s post-independence development.
His legacy is marked by both unwavering support and fierce criticism, with impacts that continue to shape the political landscape of Africa’s most populous nation.
Early Life and Military Career
Muhammadu Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, into a Fulani family. The 23rd child of his father, he lost his father at a young age and was raised by his mother. He attended Katsina Provincial Secondary School (now Government College, Katsina) and later joined the Nigerian Military Training College in 1962. Buhari furthered his training at Mons Officer Cadet School in the United Kingdom and the United States Army War College.
Rising through the ranks during the post-independence military era, Buhari served in various capacities, including as Military Governor of the now-defunct North-Eastern State in 1975, and later as Federal Commissioner (Minister) for Petroleum and Natural Resources under General Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime.
Military Head of State (1983–1985)
On December 31, 1983, Buhari seized power through a military coup that ousted the democratically elected President Shehu Shagari, citing widespread corruption and economic mismanagement. His military government launched a crusade against indiscipline, encapsulated in the controversial “War Against Indiscipline” (WAI) programme. He introduced policies to curb corruption, promote national ethics, and instill social order.
However, Buhari’s regime was also widely criticized for human rights abuses, including the detention of politicians without trial, press censorship, and the infamous Decree No. 4, which criminalized reporting deemed embarrassing to the government. Despite his hard stance on corruption, the regime’s economic policies—such as strict import controls—triggered hardship and shortages. His administration was eventually overthrown in August 1985 by General Ibrahim Babangida.
Post-Military Years and Political Rebirth
Following his ouster, Buhari faded from public life for a time, reemerging in the late 1990s as a public advocate for discipline and accountability. He served briefly as Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) under General Sani Abacha, overseeing projects funded from excess oil revenues.
Buhari entered democratic politics in 2003, contesting for president under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) but losing to President Olusegun Obasanjo. He remained a perennial candidate, contesting again in 2007 and 2011, both times unsuccessfully, amid allegations of electoral malpractice. In 2013, Buhari co-founded the All Progressives Congress (APC), a coalition of opposition parties formed to challenge the dominance of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Democratic Presidency (2015–2023)
After years of opposition activism and widespread dissatisfaction with President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, Buhari won the 2015 election—becoming the first Nigerian to defeat an incumbent president through the ballot box. He was re-elected in 2019.
His presidency began with great optimism. Buhari promised to fight corruption, crush Boko Haram insurgents, and revive Nigeria’s faltering economy. However, his tenure was met with mixed results.
Security: Buhari’s early gains against Boko Haram in the northeast were overshadowed by a worsening security landscape marked by banditry in the northwest, farmer-herder clashes in the middle belt, and separatist agitations in the southeast. Despite increased military spending and restructuring, insecurity remained one of the most pressing issues during his presidency.
Economy: Buhari’s government faced two recessions (2016 and 2020), largely driven by falling oil prices and the COVID-19 pandemic. Though he promoted agricultural self-sufficiency and infrastructural development—especially in roads, rail, and power—his economic management was criticized for failing to stimulate growth, reduce unemployment, or curb inflation. Nigeria under Buhari became the world’s poverty capital by 2018, with over 90 million living below the poverty line.
Anti-Corruption Drive: The Buhari administration made high-profile arrests and convictions, and introduced the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to consolidate government revenues. However, critics argued that his war on corruption was selective, often targeting political opponents while shielding allies. Transparency International consistently rated Nigeria poorly on its Corruption Perception Index during his rule.
Democracy and Civil Liberties: Buhari was accused of authoritarian tendencies reminiscent of his military days. Crackdowns on #EndSARS protesters in 2020, press freedom violations, and frequent disobedience of court orders marred his democratic credentials. His government’s decision to suspend Twitter in 2021 following the deletion of one of his tweets was condemned globally.
Personal Life and Public Image
Buhari is married to Aisha Buhari, a vocal First Lady who often criticized aspects of her husband’s government. Together, they have five children. His public image is built on personal discipline and frugality. Despite health challenges that saw him spend months in London for medical treatment in 2017, he remained resolute, though concerns over his health and aloofness persisted.
Buhari’s leadership style is widely regarded as rigid and hierarchical, favoring loyalty over competence. He delegated vast responsibilities to aides, particularly during his second term, which led to criticism of a “presidency in absentia.”
Legacy
Buhari left office in May 2023, succeeded by Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His presidency, viewed through a historical lens, is defined by ambitious intentions but mixed delivery. While his anti-corruption rhetoric rekindled hopes of national renewal, poor economic outcomes and growing insecurity dimmed public enthusiasm. To his supporters, Buhari remains a symbol of integrity and national pride; to his critics, a leader who failed to modernize governance or unify a deeply fragmented nation.
In retirement, Buhari returned to his hometown of Daura, Katsina, as he promised, declaring he had done his best and would allow Nigerians to judge him. History, undoubtedly, will.
Vanguard News
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