UPDATED: The Life and Times of Muhammadu Buhari: Soldier, Statesman, and Nigeria’s Relentless Reformer

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 By Victor Olubiye



Early Life & Origin

Full Name: Muhammadu Buhari

Date of Birth: December 17, 1942

Place of Birth: Daura, Katsina State, Northern Nigeria

Ethnic Group: Fulani

Religion: Islam

Family Background: Born to a Fulani chief and raised in a modest, traditional Muslim family.

Education and Military Career

Attended Katsina Provincial Secondary School (now Government College Katsina).

Enrolled in the Nigerian Military Training College in 1962.

Trained in several military institutions, including in the UK, India, and the US.

Rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Army.

Political and Military Positions

Military Governor of North-Eastern State 1975–1976 After the 1975 coup led by Murtala Mohammed.

Federal Commissioner for Petroleum Resources 1976–1978 Under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s military regime.

Chairman, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) 1976–1978 Combined this with the petroleum commissioner role.

Military Head of State of Nigeria 1983–1985 Took power via a coup; focused on anti-corruption and discipline.

Elected President of Nigeria 2015–2023 First opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president.

Chairman, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) 1983–1985 During his military rule.

Political Journey Highlights

1983–1985: Led Nigeria as a military ruler following a coup that overthrew President Shehu Shagari. His regime was known for strict anti-corruption campaigns and the controversial "War Against Indiscipline."

1999–2015: Ran for president unsuccessfully three times (2003, 2007, 2011) under different political platforms.

2015: Elected President under the All Progressives Congress (APC), defeating incumbent Goodluck Jonathan.

2019: Re-elected for a second term, serving until 2023.

Personal Traits and Legacy

Known for his austere personal lifestyle, discipline, and commitment to anti-corruption.

His leadership was both praised for its focus on corruption and security and criticized for human rights concerns, slow economic growth, and perceived authoritarian tendencies.

The great man was buried July 15,2025 in his compound at Daura,Katsina State which witnessed the presence political leaders, religious leaders,leaders and representatives from different Nigeria's neighbouring countries.

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