Muhammadu Buhari's life encapsulated the turbulent history of Nigeria's unfolding political narrative over the last fifty years. The former president, who passed away on Sunday at 82, underwent these dramatic changes, often becoming a pivotal figure in the country's politics. Initially rising to power through a military coup, Buhari was later imprisoned following a new junta's takeover, only to later reinvent himself as a democratic candidate and eventually win the presidency.
Buhari is often pictured in his signature dark glasses, black-framed spectacles, and a traditional zanna cap, all while flashing a broad smile. His military career began right after school, quickly ascending to the rank of regional commander. By 1983, he had become Nigeria's military ruler following a coup that ousted the elected civilian president, Shehu Shagari. Although Buhari claimed he had not orchestrated the coup, saying he was placed in power by senior commanders, various accounts suggest he played a substantial role in the change of leadership.
His military rule was marked by a harsh crackdown on corruption, paired with various human rights abuses, leading to his ousting just two years later by a new junta, who kept him under house arrest for three years. Upon his reentry into politics in 2003, he sought the presidency as a candidate for the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP). Although he lost to Olusegun Obasanjo, Buhari’s relentless pursuit of the presidential seat continued through unsuccessful runs in 2007 and 2011. Despite setbacks, his message resonated particularly with the youth, as he pledged to combat corruption and enhance security.
A significant turning point came in 2015 when Buhari successfully defeated incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, making history as the first opposition candidate to win a general election in Nigeria. This feel-good moment culminated when Jonathan publicly conceded defeat, a moment that resonated across the country and beyond.
Once in office, however, Buhari faced economic challenges, marking Nigeria’s first recession in a decade, alongside mounting security issues. Tensions escalated when Buhari's wife publicly criticized his administration, sparking controversies over his dismissive comment about her belonging "in the kitchen." Despite the hurdles, Buhari was reelected in 2019 and took Nigeria's presidency to new international heights, meeting prominent global leaders from former President Obama to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Following his death in a London clinic, Buhari's legacy remains polarizing. While some criticize him for failing to deliver on campaign pledges and suppressing dissent, others honor him as a proponent of stability amid Nigeria's often chaotic political environment. Former rival Jonathan hailed Buhari as "selfless in his commitment to his duty," acknowledging his character and patriotism.
