On Sunday, July 13, 2025, Nigeria lost a towering figure in its history Muhammadu Buhari, former military head of state (1983–1985) and democratically elected president (2015–2023), passed away at age 82 in London following a prolonged illness  .

Early Life & Rise to Power

Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari was the youngest of 23 children. He entered the Nigerian Army in 1961, receiving training in the UK and US before rising to the rank of Major-General. After distinguished service during Nigeria’s civil war, he became national prominence under successive military regimes  .

On December 31, 1983, Buhari led a coup overthrowing President Shehu Shagari, citing widespread corruption and economic mismanagement. His short but strict tenure is most remembered for the “War Against Indiscipline” campaign—encouraging public order and penalizing lateness or crime. However, his government faced criticism for human rights abuses and a failed 1984 attempt to kidnap an exiled opponent in the UK  .

Transition to Democracy & Presidential Comeback

After being ousted in August 1985, Buhari retreated from politics before contesting presidential elections a record four times 2003, 2007, 2011, and finally winning in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC). His victory over incumbent Goodluck Jonathan marked Nigeria’s first peaceful transfer of power through elections between opposing parties  . Re-elected in 2019, he again broke political tradition, but faced mounting criticism over his response to national challenges  .

Civilian Presidency: Promises & Shortcomings

Anti-Corruption Pledge

Buhari’s hallmark campaign symbol was the broom—intended to sweep away corruption. His administration pursued hundreds of anti-graft prosecutions, though critics note these were often selective and politically motivated  .

Security & Boko Haram

Under his civilian presidency, Buhari confronted Boko Haram and other extremist groups. While he claimed victory in 2016, insurgency persisted, and violence spread into previously stable regions. His handling of military campaigns led to accusations of human rights violations  .

Economic Stewardship

The drop in oil prices triggered Nigeria’s first recession in nearly three decades. Buhari’s economic reforms and austerity measures earned him the unflattering nickname “Baba Go Slow” as his government took months to fully take office and implement policy  .

Social Unrest

The #EndSARS protests of 2020 spotlighted deep mistrust in his administration’s approach to police brutality. Despite the disbanding of SARS, violent crackdowns strained his credibility among youth and civil society ().

Health & Leadership Vacuum

Frequent medical trips to London led to the perception of an absentee president. Extended stays abroad between 2016 and 2018 revived public suspicion and debate about real governance within Nigeria ().

Legacy: A Complex Heritage

Buhari leaves behind a legacy that is as celebrated as it is contested.

+ For Many:

• A symbol of corruption-free governance and moral leadership
• The first democratic president to unseat an incumbent
• A determined, austere figure who transcended his military past to lead civilian rule  

Criticized For:

• Economic mismanagement amid recession and inflation
• Insecurity proliferation despite military efforts
• Authoritarian tactics and human rights concerns
• Weak governance during medical absences
• Limited scope of anti-corruption prosecutions  

National Mourning & Burial Plans

President Bola Tinubu has declared a period of national mourning, ordered flags to fly at half-staff, and dispatched Vice President Shettima to London to escort Buhari’s body home  . Islamic burial customs will guide funeral arrangements, expected to take place in accordance with family and national protocols  .

Reflections on His Passing

1. Army to Democracy – Buhari’s life journey symbolizes Nigeria’s own struggle between militarized authority and democratic aspirations.
2. Moral High Ground vs. Political Cost – His ethical stance was applauded, yet his rigid policies and tolerance for military excess drew serious criticism.
3. A Cautionary Legacy – Combating corruption and insurgency requires patience and nuance his tenure underlined that symbolism alone isn’t enough without innovation and accountability.
4. Leadership in Health Crises – The controversy over medical leave underscores the importance of transparent governance when health becomes a national security issue.
5. National Chapter Closes – Buhari’s journey from military rule to democratic leader mirrors Nigeria’s modern evolution: fraught, dynamic, and unfinished.

A Nation in Mourning

Across social media, streets, and mosques from Daura to Abuja and beyond, Nigerians have offered prayers, pilgrimage, and quiet reflection. Buhari’s polarizing career inspired loyalty and dissent alike, but his passing undeniably leaves a void in Nigeria’s leadership narrative.

Looking Forward

With Buhari’s death, Nigeria faces several critical moments:

• Transferring Power – Handling burial, state funerals, and continued stability
• Legacy Review – Balancing national memory with fresh insight into his achievements and failures
• Future Trajectories – Leaders now bear the weight of addressing issues left unresolved under Buhari: insecurity, joblessness, inequality, and government credibility

Conclusion

Muhammadu Buhari’s life was a parable of Nigeria’s duel with its past and its future. His passing marks not just the end of an individual’s journey, but a turning point—a chance for pilgrimage, critique, reckoning, and renewal in Nigeria’s ongoing saga.