Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari meets with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at the Belem Presidential Palace in Lisbon on June 30, 2022, marking the start of his state visit to Portugal. Photo: Horacio Villalobos/Corbis/Getty Images
By Newsflash Writer
The late former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, leaves behind a deeply polarizing legacy—marked by moments of integrity and leadership, but also defined by authoritarianism and missed opportunities.
From his early days as a military ruler to his two-term presidency, Buhari’s impact was both celebrated and criticized. “His legacy is a mix of triumph and trauma. It calls for reflection on justice and accountability,” noted Sheriff Ansu, a digital media producer.
Rights defenders argue that Buhari never abandoned his authoritarian roots. “He showed disregard for the rule of law, ignored court rulings, and silenced dissenters through enforced disappearances,” said Abuja-based activist Omoyele Sowore.
He added, “In 2015, Buhari oversaw the massacre of over 300 Shiites in Zaria. Then in October 2020, protesters calling for police reform under the #EndSARS movement were killed by soldiers. These actions remain etched in our memory.”
The #EndSARS campaign sought to dismantle a rogue police unit notorious for brutality and extortion. Buhari’s government, however, responded with force, effectively crushing the protests.
From military rule to elected office
Buhari came to power in 2015 after defeating incumbent Goodluck Jonathan in what observers hailed as Nigeria’s most transparent election. His military background raised concerns among some, but many hoped he would restore order and security.
“Buhari truly believed in a united Nigeria. He gave his best both as a soldier and a civilian leader,” said Yusuf Dantalle, chair of the Inter-Party Advisory Council. “But he was human—flawed like the rest of us.”
Osasu Igbinedion Ogwuche, a media strategist, noted that Buhari’s leadership ignited nationwide debates on governance, youth participation, and institutional reform. “His tenure prompted much-needed conversations about democratic accountability,” she said.
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When Buhari swapped his army fatigues for civilian attire, he called himself a “converted democrat” and famously stated, “I belong to everybody and to nobody.” Many hoped his presidency would mirror military-style discipline, but his slow pace earned him the nickname “Baba Go Slow.” After taking office, he delayed cabinet appointments for six months, while the country’s oil-reliant economy stumbled amid falling crude prices.
Though he promoted anti-corruption policies and drew a loyal following for his austere personal style, Buhari’s crackdowns failed to secure convictions of high-profile officials, drawing criticism for selective justice.
Economic struggles and health concerns
His strongest base remained Nigeria’s impoverished, mostly Muslim north—his birthplace and political stronghold. There, widespread support helped secure his re-election in 2019 despite mounting economic and security issues, including Nigeria’s first recession in decades and attacks on oil infrastructure. Buhari also rejected IMF advice to devalue the naira, instead maintaining an overvalued currency—an approach he had tried, unsuccessfully, during his military rule in the 1980s.
By 2022, oil production—the country’s economic backbone—fell to a 20-year low due to rampant theft in the Niger Delta.
Throughout his presidency, Buhari’s health was a source of public concern. He frequently travelled abroad for undisclosed treatments. In 2017, he vanished for 51 days, fueling rumors of his death. His eventual passing in a London hospital reignited controversy over his secretive medical trips.
A complex historical footprint
Born on December 17, 1942, in Katsina State, Buhari—an ethnic Fulani and devout Muslim—joined the military at 20, quickly ascending to officer and later governor of the North-East region. In 1976, military ruler Olusegun Obasanjo named him petroleum and energy minister, putting him in charge of the newly established National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). He returned to military command soon after.
Photo: Olukayode Jaiyeola/IMAGO
Buhari entered presidential politics in 2003 as a candidate for the All Nigeria People’s Party, but lost. He failed again in 2007 and 2011. His breakthrough came in 2015, winning 54% of the vote with promises to eradicate corruption and defeat the Boko Haram insurgency.
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“His win was symbolic—many saw him as one of Nigeria’s most incorruptible leaders, which was rare in our political climate,” said Manji Cheto, vice president at Teneo Intelligence.
In 1983, following a coup that removed President Shehu Shagari, Buhari became chair of the Supreme Military Council. He swiftly suspended the constitution, outlawed political parties, and launched a brutal anti-corruption drive, vowing to jail offenders “without the nonsense of judicial proceedings.” His infamous “war on indiscipline” saw nearly 500 people jailed, and public servants punished for tardiness. Reports emerged of press censorship and executions under his rule. Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka once said Buhari’s rule instilled widespread fear and repression.
His military regime ended with a coup in August 1985, led by General Babangida, who had helped install him.
In the 2022–2023 elections, Buhari threw his support behind Bola Tinubu, praising his commitment to unity, reform, and order—hallmarks of the legacy Buhari himself aimed to establish, though often imperfectly.
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