Muhammadu Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, a town in Katsina State in northern Nigeria. He is of Fulani descent and was the twenty-third child of his father, a Fulani chief. Buhari's early education took place in Katsina Province, after which he joined the Nigerian Military Training College (NMTC) in 1962. The NMTC was later renamed the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). His military education continued in several prestigious institutions, including Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England.
Buhari's military career advanced quickly. By 1963, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant and assigned to the Second Infantry Battalion in Abeokuta. He participated actively in various capacities, including as a platoon commander and as a member of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Congo (then Zaire) in 1963.
Role in Nigerian Military Coups
Buhari was involved in multiple coups that shaped Nigeria's political landscape. He played a significant role in the July 1966 counter-coup, which overthrew Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi. This coup was in retaliation for the January 1966 coup, which had targeted many northern political leaders. Buhari’s involvement marked the beginning of his political-military career.
In the subsequent years, Buhari held various positions of command and leadership within the military, steadily rising through the ranks. In 1975, he was appointed as the Military Governor of the North-Eastern State, which he governed until 1976 when the state was divided into three: Bauchi, Borno, and Gongola.
Head of State (1983-1985)
In December 1983, Major General Muhammadu Buhari led a successful coup that ousted the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari, marking the end of Nigeria's Second Republic. Buhari was appointed Head of State, with Major General Tunde Idiagbon as his deputy.
Buhari’s administration was characterized by its campaign against corruption, known as the "War Against Indiscipline." His government introduced policies aimed at reviving the economy, such as austerity measures and the restructuring of Nigeria's foreign debt. Buhari also sought to curb inflation by restricting imports of consumer goods.
However, his regime was also known for its authoritarian approach, including the detention of political opponents, journalists, and activists without trial under Decree No. 2 of 1984. Public execution of criminals and the harsh treatment of perceived enemies of the state also drew criticism. His War Against Indiscipline included public shaming and punishments for minor offenses, which although intended to instill order, were seen by many as draconian.
Overthrow and Detention
Buhari’s rule came to an abrupt end in August 1985 when he was overthrown in a coup led by General Ibrahim Babangida. Buhari was detained for nearly three years, primarily in Benin City, until his release in 1988. His period of detention was marked by relative silence and withdrawal from the political scene.
Post-Military Career and Political Ambitions
After his release, Buhari gradually re-entered public life. He served in various capacities, including as the Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) under the military regime of General Sani Abacha from 1994 to 1999. The PTF was tasked with using the revenues from Nigeria's oil resources to pursue developmental projects, and Buhari was praised for his efforts in infrastructure development and transparency in managing the fund.
Buhari transitioned fully into politics in the late 1990s. He ran for president in 2003 as the candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) but lost to the incumbent, Olusegun Obasanjo. He contested again in 2007 and 2011, each time facing electoral defeat but gaining significant support, particularly from the northern regions of Nigeria.
Presidency (2015)
In 2015, Buhari ran for president for the fourth time, this time as the candidate of the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC), a coalition of opposition parties. Capitalizing on widespread dissatisfaction with the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, Buhari campaigned on a platform of anti-corruption, economic reform, and security.
His victory in the 2015 election marked the first time in Nigeria’s history that an incumbent president was defeated in a general election. Buhari's presidency has focused on several key areas:
1. Anti-Corruption Efforts: Buhari’s administration launched numerous investigations and prosecutions of public officials for corruption. His anti-corruption campaign, while popular among many Nigerians, faced criticism for being selectively applied.
2. Security: Buhari prioritized the fight against Boko Haram, the Islamist militant group that had wreaked havoc in the northeastern region. His administration achieved some successes, reclaiming territories previously held by the insurgents, though the security situation remained volatile with the rise of banditry and herdsmen-farmer conflicts.
3. Economic Policies: Buhari's government faced significant economic challenges, including a recession in 2016 due to falling oil prices. Efforts to diversify the economy, promote agriculture, and improve infrastructure were central to his economic policies. However, critics pointed to high unemployment rates and slow economic growth as ongoing issues.
4. Health and Social Programs: Buhari’s administration launched the Social Investment Programmes (SIPs) aimed at reducing poverty and promoting education and healthcare. These included initiatives like the N-Power program for job creation and the Home-Grown School Feeding Program.
In 2019, Buhari was re-elected for a second term, defeating his main opponent, Atiku Abubakar. His second term has continued to focus on similar themes of security, anti-corruption, and economic recovery, though he has faced increased criticism over human rights abuses, press freedom, and the handling of nationwide protests such as the #EndSARS movement against police brutality in 2020.
Personal Life
Buhari is married to Aisha Buhari, with whom he has several children. A devout Muslim, Buhari's personal life has been characterized by simplicity and austerity, mirroring his public persona as a disciplinarian and anti-corruption advocate.
Legacy
Buhari’s legacy is multifaceted. He is regarded by supporters as a patriot dedicated to fighting corruption and improving Nigeria’s standing both regionally and internationally. His detractors, however, point to his military rule's authoritarian aspects and allege that his democratic leadership has not sufficiently addressed Nigeria’s complex socio-economic and security challenges. As he nears the end of his presidency, Buhari's impact on Nigeria remains a subject of intense debate, reflecting the complex nature of his leadership and the diverse expectations of the Nigerian populace.
