Former President Muhammadu Buhari died in a London Hospital Sunday afternoon after a brief illness.
He was one of two persons who served as both military and civilian head of state. The following are the 15 things to know about the late politician and military chief.
1. Early Life and Birth
Muhammadu Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, in northern Nigeria.
* He is of Fulani descent and was the 23rd child of his father, Adamu Bafallaji.
2. Military Background
Buhari joined the Nigerian Army in 1961 and was trained in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, the United States, and India.
* He rose through the ranks and became a Major General before eventually serving as Head of State
3. Role in Nigerian Civil War
* Buhari fought on the side of the federal troops during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), commanding troops in various locations.
4. Military Head of State (1983–1985)
* Buhari came to power through a military coup on December 31, 1983, overthrowing the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari.
* He served as Head of State until August 27, 1985, when he was ousted by General Ibrahim Babangida.
5. War Against Indiscipline (WAI)
* His military regime introduced the War Against Indiscipline, a national campaign aimed at instilling public order, sanitation, and patriotism.
6. Detention and House Arrest
* After being overthrown in 1985, Buhari was detained for over three years, mostly under house arrest.
7. Transition to Civilian Politics
* After Nigeria returned to democracy, Buhari ran for President in 2003, 2007, and 2011 under different political parties but lost each time.
8. 2015 Democratic Comeback
* Buhari made history in 2015 when he became the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent President, Goodluck Jonathan.
* He was elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
9. Re-election in 2019
* He won a second term in 2019, defeating former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the presidential election.
10. Focus on Anti-Corruption
* Buhari’s administration focused heavily on anti-corruption campaigns, though critics said the efforts were selective and politically motivated.
11. Security Challenges
* Buhari’s presidency was marked by serious security issues, including the Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and farmer-herder conflicts.
* Despite promises to end terrorism, insecurity remained a major concern throughout his tenure.
12. Health and Medical Trips
* Buhari’s health was a subject of public speculation. He spent several months in the UK for medical treatment, particularly between 2016 and 2017.
13. Economic Policies and Recession
* Buhari’s tenure saw two economic recessions, in 2016 and 2020. His government implemented various economic reforms and social welfare programmeds such as N-Power and TraderMoni.
14. Retirement and Life After Office
* Buhari completed his second term on May 29, 2023, and handed over to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
* He retired to his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, expressing his desire to stay out of politics which he did until his death.
15. Personal Life
* Buhari was a devout Muslim and married to Aisha Buhari. They have several children together.
* Known for his simple and austere lifestyle, he built a public image of discipline and integrity, which shaped much of his appeal.
