Former President Muhammadu Buhari passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82.
Buhari’s legacy spans decades of service as a military leader, democratic president, and political influencer.
This article explores 30 facts about his life, career, and impact;
Early Life and Military Career
1. Former President Muhammadu Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria.
2. Raised in a modest family, his father was a Fulani chief, and his mother was a devout Muslim.
3. Buhari joined the Nigerian Army in 1962 and trained at prestigious institutions, including the Nigerian Military Training College and the Aldershot Military Academy in the UK.
4. By age 33, he became the Military Governor of the Northeastern State (now divided into several states, including Borno) in 1976.
5. He served as Federal Commissioner for Petroleum Resources from 1976 to 1978, overseeing Nigeria’s oil boom era.6. Buhari held various military positions, including General Officer Commanding several divisions.
Political Ascendancy and Leadership
7. At 41, Buhari became Nigeria’s Military Head of State (1983–1985) after a coup, enforcing strict anti-corruption and discipline campaigns.
8. His regime introduced the War Against Indiscipline (WAI), promoting civic responsibility and orderliness.
9. His military government was ousted by General Ibrahim Babangida in a bloodless coup.
10. As Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund in the 1990s, he oversaw infrastructure and social projects.
11. Buhari re-entered politics in the early 2000s, contesting presidential elections in 2003, 2007, and 2011 under different political parties.
12. He won the presidency in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC), defeating incumbent Goodluck Jonathan, marking Nigeria’s first democratic opposition victory.
13. Buhari served as President from 2015 to 2023, navigating economic challenges and security crises.
Policies and Legacy
14. Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s legacy is tied to his anti-corruption stance, with initiatives like the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to enhance financial transparency.
15. His administration introduced policies to diversify Nigeria’s economy, though critics argued progress was slow.
16. He served as Minister of Petroleum Resources during his presidency (2015–2023), overseeing oil sector reforms.
17. In 2019, Buhari’s government closed Nigeria’s land borders to curb smuggling, a controversial move that impacted trade.
18. He also banned X formerly known as Twitter. The development came after Buhari posted a tweet threatening to deal with southeastern secessionists “in the language they understand,” on June 1, 2021. Twitter deleted it on June 2 for violating its abusive behavior policy.
19. His administration’s 2022–2023 naira redesign policy aimed to curb cash hoarding but caused significant public hardship.
Personal Life and Values
20. Buhari was married to Aisha Buhari, a vocal advocate for women’s rights, and had five children.
21. A devout Muslim, his faith influenced his governance and public persona.
22. Often described as austere, Buhari was praised for not amassing personal wealth, a rarity in Nigerian politics.
23. He faced health issues during his presidency, leading to multiple medical trips to the UK, sparking public debate.
24. Buhari attended several military and administrative courses, including at the U.S. Army War College.
Controversies and Criticisms
25. His 1983–1985 regime was criticized for detaining journalists and activists under Decree 4, curbing press freedom.
26. Critics argue his policies failed to address unemployment and inflation effectively, worsening economic conditions.
27. His presidency faced criticism over rising insecurity, including Boko Haram insurgency and banditry.
28. Some accused Buhari of favoring northern appointees in key government positions.
Post-Presidency
29. After leaving office in 2023, Buhari retired to Daura, maintaining a low profile.
30. He passed away on July 13, 2025.00
