Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has died in a London clinic at the age of 82, a notable exit from a long and complex political career that saw him serve both as a military leader and a democratically elected head of state. His death follows a period of declining health, with reports indicating he had traveled to the UK for a routine medical check-up earlier this year.
Buhari, who rose to prominence after a historic victory in the 2015 elections, became the first opposition candidate to unseat an incumbent in Nigeria's democratic history. He was widely perceived as a figure combating corruption, but his presidency often struggled to deliver on promises of economic reform and security, especially during challenging times marked by falling oil prices and increasing violence from groups like Boko Haram and conflicts with Fulani herders.
Born in December 1942 in the northern town of Daura, Buhari's early life was influenced by his diverse heritage, stemming from both Fulani and Kanuri backgrounds. His military career began shortly after Nigeria’s independence, and he gained notoriety for his stringent measures while in power during the 1980s, which included imprisoning politicians on corruption charges.
Despite his transition to a civilian rule after years of military governance, Buhari continued to face criticism for human rights abuses, particularly in relation to the treatment of protesters and political rivals. His economic policies, especially a controversial rice import ban intended to boost local agriculture, led to significant price increases, which left many citizens struggling.
Although his supporters admired his personal integrity, he was often labeled "Baba go slow" due to the perception of his cautious approach to governance. The legacy of his leadership remains mixed, marked by both a commitment to fighting corruption and a track record of struggles with transparency and responsiveness to citizens' needs.
Buhari is survived by his wife Aisha and ten children. As Nigeria processes the news of his passing, discussions around his impact—both uplifting and contentious—will likely continue to shape the nation’s political discourse moving forward.
Buhari, who rose to prominence after a historic victory in the 2015 elections, became the first opposition candidate to unseat an incumbent in Nigeria's democratic history. He was widely perceived as a figure combating corruption, but his presidency often struggled to deliver on promises of economic reform and security, especially during challenging times marked by falling oil prices and increasing violence from groups like Boko Haram and conflicts with Fulani herders.
Born in December 1942 in the northern town of Daura, Buhari's early life was influenced by his diverse heritage, stemming from both Fulani and Kanuri backgrounds. His military career began shortly after Nigeria’s independence, and he gained notoriety for his stringent measures while in power during the 1980s, which included imprisoning politicians on corruption charges.
Despite his transition to a civilian rule after years of military governance, Buhari continued to face criticism for human rights abuses, particularly in relation to the treatment of protesters and political rivals. His economic policies, especially a controversial rice import ban intended to boost local agriculture, led to significant price increases, which left many citizens struggling.
Although his supporters admired his personal integrity, he was often labeled "Baba go slow" due to the perception of his cautious approach to governance. The legacy of his leadership remains mixed, marked by both a commitment to fighting corruption and a track record of struggles with transparency and responsiveness to citizens' needs.
Buhari is survived by his wife Aisha and ten children. As Nigeria processes the news of his passing, discussions around his impact—both uplifting and contentious—will likely continue to shape the nation’s political discourse moving forward.
