Life and times of Muhammadu Buhari (1942 – 2025)

…Witty, disciplined, time conscious, frugal

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday, announced the passing of his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Garba Shehu, former Senior Special Assistant to Buhari also in his X handle, disclosed that the “family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in

President Buhari died in a London at about 4.30 pm, following a prolonged illness.

Onanuga said President Tinubu also spoke with “Mrs Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow and offered his deep condolences”

He said President Tinubu has also ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.

Buhari who was born on the 17 December 1942, in Daura, Katsina state, had served as Military Governor of the old Borno and North Central state, between, 1975 and 1976.

He also served as the Minister of Petroleum’s Resources, under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, when he was the Military head of State, 1976 to 1979.

In December , 1983, Muhammadu Buhari toppled the administration of former President Shehu Shagari and served as Military leader, with late Tunde Idiagbon, as his Chief of General Staff.

The regime was known for its high handedness, with the introduction of the “ War Against Indiscipline WAI, price control system, amongst others

The regime is also remembered for its attempt to “ smuggle” former Transport Minister, Umaro Dikko back to Nigeria from Britain, that led to a diplomatic row between Nigeria and the then British government.

The regime lasted until August, 1985, when it was overthrown by former President Ibrahim Babangida.

At the return of the fourth Republic, in 1999, former President Buhari contested the presidential election under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), in 2003 and lost

In 2007, he formed the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), a political party, under which he contested the Presidential election in 2007 and 2011 , losing both elections.

In 2011, he vowed to retire from politics, over what he saw as the massive corruption and manipulations that trail elections in Nigeria.

In 2013, however, the CPC agreed Togo into alliance with other political parties, such as the Action Congress AC, the ANPP and the nPDP group.

Read also: Tinubu announces Buhari’s death

The group had notable politicians such as President Bola Tinubu,, Atiku Abubakar, Governor Rotimi Amaechi, amongst others.

The alliance saw the emergence of a formidable political force that led to the defeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan, in the 2015 general election that produced the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari

His administration, despite its low performance, managed to win the 2019 election that returned Buhari as President for the second term.

Former President Buhari’s presidency experienced one of the most difficult economic challenges with the country falling into recession in 2016, following declining revenue from oil sales.

In 2018, however, the economy witnessed some levels of recovery from the recession, although many Nigerians were still living in extreme poverty.

Many where disappointed that President Buhari could not address the issue of insecurity, as the activities of the dreaded Boko Haram insurgents remained unabated

The struggle with Boko Haram factions continued, even as Nigeria took out a huge $1b to address the issue of military hardwares.

But rather than abated, military which initially experienced success in curbing the groups, soon allowed the militants to bounced back, attacking and destroying the initial gains.

The regime also witnessed intense farmers and herders clashes.

His administration’s against corruption was both praised for its progress and criticized for focusing more on political opponents than on allies.

The former President will however be remembered for always keeping to time at any events and for for his disciplined approach to national issues.