The burial of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, at 2 p.m. in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, according to an announcement by Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda.
The former president passed away on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 82, following a prolonged illness in a London hospital.
Governor Radda, addressing journalists at the Government House on Monday shortly after returning from London, confirmed that consultations with Buhari’s family and associates had finalized the burial arrangements.
“We’ve made consultations with the people around him in London, and we concluded that the body will arrive in Katsina tomorrow (Tuesday) at about 12 noon, and the burial is going to take place in Daura at about 2 p.m.,” Radda stated.
He was joined by Buhari’s nephews, Fatuhu Mohammed and Musa Haro, as well as former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika.
The governor prayed for the late president, saying, “We pray to Almighty Allah to grant his soul peace and may Allah grant him Aljanna Firdausi.”
The body of the former president is currently being flown from London to Nigeria, with Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila overseeing its return.
President Bola Tinubu declared a seven-day national mourning period to honor Buhari, while the Katsina State government designated Monday as a public holiday to allow residents to mourn the late leader.
Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023, had previously led the country as military head of state from January 1984 to August 1985. His death marks the end of a significant chapter in Nigeria’s political history.
Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari To Be Buried Tuesday In Daura
WAFCON: Super Falcon Top Group Despite Goalless Draw against Algeria
The Super Falcons of Nigeria were left to rue a night of missed opportunities after they were held to a goalless draw by the Algerian women’s national team in their final Group B match at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Despite dominating virtually every statistical category possession, shots, corners, and touches in the opposition box Nigeria failed to find the breakthrough, leaving coach Justin Madugu’s side frustrated and with plenty to ponder ahead of the knockout stage.
From the outset, the Super Falcons took control of the game, registering 24 shots to Algeria’s solitary effort. Nigeria enjoyed 55% possession, completed over 300 accurate passes, and created several promising openings. Yet, they managed just two shots on target, underlining a lack of precision and composure in the final third.
A key turning point came in the 54th minute when Esther Okoronkwo replaced Ifeyinwa Onumonu in a bid to inject fresh energy into the attack. Subsequent substitutions saw Folashade Ijamilusi and Rinsola Babajide introduced to stretch the Algerian defense with pace and width. However, Algeria remained compact and disciplined, with their goalkeeper making two vital saves to preserve the clean sheet.
Defensively, Nigeria were solid and largely untroubled, conceding only one off-target attempt. But their inability to convert dominance into goals proved costly, as the team failed to capitalize on their overwhelming superiority.
As the Super Falcons head into the knockout rounds, Coach Madugu faces lingering questions over his side’s attacking efficiency. While the performance showed control, purpose, and defensive discipline, the lack of end product will be a central concern moving forward.
Key Historic Moments During Buhari’s Administration
Nigeria is in mourning following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London at the age of 82. Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in the UK to coordinate the repatriation of Buhari’s body. The federal government is expected to announce formal burial arrangements soon, in line with Islamic rites.
Buhari’s passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Nigeria’s political story, one that spanned nearly five decades and saw him from a military officer to national ruler.
From Soldier To Statesman: Buhari’s Profile
Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari joined the Nigerian Army in 1961. By the mid-1970s, he was already a rising figure, serving first as the military governor of the newly created Borno State, and later as Federal Commissioner (Minister) for Petroleum and Natural Resources under General Olusegun Obasanjo.
His first major political turning point came in 1983 when he seized power through a military coup, removing the democratically elected government of President Shehu Shagari. Though his own military rule was short-lived, he was ousted in 1985, Buhari remained a persistent figure in Nigeria’s political landscape.
After several failed attempts at the presidency, he finally made a dramatic democratic comeback in 2015, defeating incumbent Goodluck Jonathan in what became a historic election. Buhari went on to serve two full terms, handing over power in 2023.
Highlights And Achievements
Buhari’s presidency was a mix of bold initiatives and deep criticism. But there’s no denying he left behind key milestones:
A Historic Democratic Victory (2015)
Buhari became the first opposition candidate in Nigeria’s history to defeat a sitting president, a landmark moment that signaled Nigeria’s growing democratic maturity.
Anti-Corruption Drive
He ran on a strong anti-corruption message, and during his tenure, billions in stolen public funds were recovered. His government also intensified EFCC prosecutions and worked with global partners to retrieve looted assets.
Infrastructural Development
From the Second Niger Bridge to the Abuja-Kaduna rail line and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Plant, Buhari invested heavily in transportation and power projects, aiming to reshape Nigeria’s economic backbone.
Pushing Back Boko Haram
At the start of his presidency, the terrorist group Boko Haram controlled large swathes of the Northeast. Buhari’s administration launched aggressive military offensives that reclaimed key territories and weakened the group’s grip.
Peaceful Power Transition (2023)
Unlike many African leaders, Buhari respected constitutional term limits and peacefully handed over power to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reinforcing Nigeria’s democratic foundation.
Controversies And Criticisms
Despite these achievements, Buhari’s leadership was never without criticism and some moments still spark heated debate today:
The 1984 Dikko Affair
During his military regime, a botched attempt to kidnap exiled minister Umaru Dikko in London triggered a diplomatic crisis. The UK responded by revoking Nigeria’s visa-free entry status, a stain on foreign relations.
Lagos Metroline Cancellation
One of his early controversial decisions as Head of State was halting Lagos’s metro rail project in 1983. The move set back the city’s transport system by decades.
Medical Tourism
Even while leading a country with an underfunded health system, Buhari frequently traveled to the UK for medical treatment, drawing criticism for neglecting Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.
Corruption Within His Cabinet
Though Buhari branded himself as an anti-corruption crusader, several close associates, including EFCC Chairman Ibrahim Magu, were later accused of misconduct raising questions about selective justice.
Twitter Ban (2021)
After Twitter deleted one of Buhari’s tweets, his administration responded by banning the platform entirely. The move sparked both domestic outrage and international condemnation, seen by many as an attack on digital freedom.
Rehabilitating Boko Haram Fighters
Buhari’s policy of reintegrating “repentant” Boko Haram fighters back into society struck a nerve with many Nigerians, particularly victims and displaced persons who saw it as an insult to justice. The “Jibril from Sudan” Conspiracy
In perhaps the strangest twist of Buhari’s time in power, a viral conspiracy theory claimed he had died during a medical trip and been replaced by a body double named “Jibril from Sudan.”
Despite being repeatedly debunked, the rumor gained surprising traction fed by long absences from the public eye and deep public mistrust in government transparency. Buhari laughed it off publicly, but it became an odd, unforgettable part of his legacy.
President Muhammadu Buhari leaves behind a nation he both inspired and frustrated. To supporters, he was a disciplined patriot who tried to steady the nation’s moral compass. To critics, he was an aloof, authoritarian figure whose administration fell short on human rights, economic relief, and institutional reform.
As tributes pour in, history will continue to debate whether Buhari was the guardian of Nigeria’s soul or one of its most misunderstood leaders. Either way, his imprint on Nigeria is permanent, etched in concrete, constitution, and controversy.
APC Closes National Secretariat For Three Days To Honor Buhari
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has temporarily shut down its National Secretariat in Abuja to honour the late former President, Muhammadu Buhari.
In a statement released on Monday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, announced that the secretariat would remain closed until Thursday.
Buhari passed away on Sunday at a hospital in London after a prolonged illness.
The APC called on its members to mark the national mourning period with deep reflection and prayers for the peaceful repose of the former President’s soul.
The statement read: “The All Progressives Congress (APC) announces the closure of its National Secretariat in Abuja in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.
“As directed by the Acting National Chairman of our great Party, Hon. Bukar Dalori, the Party’s National Secretariat will be closed starting today, Monday, July 14 and will reopen on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
“We urge Party faithful to use this period of national mourning for quiet reflection and prayers for the repose of the soul of our departed leader.”
Paul Biya, Other Africa’s Longest Presidents In Thirty Years
On July 14, 2025, Cameroon’s President Paul Biya marked 42 uninterrupted years in power and stunned the nation once again. Despite being 91 and governing largely from hotel suites in Europe, Biya announced that he will run for president in 2026, seeking yet another term.
The news came via a brief statement from the presidency aired on state TV, where Biya said he was “answering the call of the people” and committed to “continuing the work of national unity and peace.” No press conference. No questions. No surprise.
Biya’s decision was met with exhaustion from the opposition and apathy from many Cameroonians, who have grown used to life under his shadow. But his announcement reignites an uncomfortable conversation not just about Cameroon’s democracy, but about a broader African pattern: presidents who rule for decades, rewriting the rules to stay in power indefinitely.
Five African Presidents Who Refused to Step Down
Biya is not alone. Below are five African heads of state past and present who have outlasted rivals, rewritten constitutions, and stretched their time in office beyond what most democracies can fathom.
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo Of Equatorial Guinea
Having ruled for over 45 years, Obiang is the world’s longest-serving sitting president. He rose to power after overthrowing his uncle in a bloody coup and has since built one of Africa’s most repressive regimes.
Despite staggering oil wealth, most of the population lives in poverty, while his son Vice President Teodorín has been accused of lavish spending abroad. Critics believe a father-to-son handover is imminent, further tightening the family’s grip on power.
Yoweri Museveni Of Uganda
Initially celebrated as a reformist, Museveni has become the very thing he once opposed. Now nearing 40 years in power, he has removed term and age limits, enabling him to contest every election since 1996.
Museveni’s latest term began in 2021 after a violent election season marked by the arrest and harassment of his main challenger, Bobi Wine. With increasing militarization of politics and a narrowing civic space, Uganda’s path to democratic transition remains uncertain.
Denis Sassou Nguesso, Republic Of Congo
Sassou Nguesso’s time in power is divided into two periods, 1979–1992 and 1997 till today. Like Biya and Museveni, he scrapped term limits via referendum and now governs through an entrenched network of military and political loyalists.
His family, particularly his children, control significant parts of the economy. Despite criticism over corruption and inequality, Sassou Nguesso comfortably won re-election in 2021, extending his rule well into his 80s.
Isaias Afwerki Of Eritrea
The most authoritarian on this list, Afwerki has never held an election since Eritrea’s independence in 1993. His regime bans all opposition, censors the press, and enforces indefinite national service, which rights groups liken to forced labor.
Afwerki rarely speaks to the media and runs a closed off state where dissenters disappear without trace. Despite growing international pressure, there are no signs of transition or reform.
Paul Biya Of Cameroon
Now seeking his eighth term, Biya has become synonymous with Cameroon itself. He took over in 1982 and has used a mix of patronage, military loyalty, and constitutional changes to hold on to power. In 2008, he abolished term limits altogether.
Rarely seen in public, Biya spends much of his time in Geneva, earning him the nickname “the absentee president.” Despite the Anglophone crisis, economic stagnation, and growing youth frustration, Biya insists he is the only leader capable of preserving Cameroon’s unity. His expected 2026 candidacy, if successful, would see him in office until age 98.
Public Reactions And Social Reactions
News of Biya’s decision to run again sparked a range of reactions. On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #BiyaMustGo resurfaced, with users expressing disbelief.
One X user Luyolo Mkentane wrote:
“And yet, capable Cameroonians accept this nonsense as if it’s normal for a 92-year-old to cling to power in a nation brimming with young, brilliant minds! It’s time they took to the streets with the same fire and resolve as the Kenyan youth.”
Another X user Kwame tweeted:
“Who votes for him? Bunch of brainless people.”
What Happens Next?
With elections scheduled for 2026, Paul Biya’s candidacy sets up yet another cycle of controlled campaigning, restricted opposition, and a likely landslide “victory.” But beneath the surface, a restless youth population and deepening economic frustrations are growing harder to ignore.
In the broader African context, Biya’s move sends a message: term limits are meaningless without enforcement , and until power becomes less personal, transitions will remain rare and risky.
How Chelsea Crushed PSG To Clinch Club World Cup Title
Chelsea clinched their second FIFA Club World Cup title in emphatic fashion on Sunday, thrashing European champions Paris Saint-Germain 3–0 in a commanding final display led by Cole Palmer.
The 22-year-old midfielder delivered a sensational first-half performance, scoring twice and setting up another goal to cap off a brilliant individual tournament. Palmer’s contributions silenced the doubters and handed Chelsea their first Club World Cup crown since 2021.
Chelsea opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after PSG full-back Nuno Mendes misplaced a clearance, allowing Malo Gusto to recover and square the ball to Palmer, who coolly slotted his finish just inside the left post.
Palmer doubled the lead shortly after the half-hour mark with a moment of pure class. Picking up a through ball from Levi Colwill, he turned inside, feigned a pass to lose his marker, and buried a low shot into the corner of the net.
Minutes later, Palmer turned creator, racing into the channel before slipping in João Pedro, who timed his run perfectly and lofted the ball over PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to make it 3–0 before halftime.
PSG’s frustrations grew in the second half, culminating in João Neves being shown a red card in the 83rd minute for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair. Tempers flared at full-time, but the scuffle quickly dissolved as Chelsea’s players celebrated with their supporters.
Speaking after the match, Palmer said: “It’s an amazing feeling, even more so because people didn’t expect this result. We believed in the plan, and I’m glad I could deliver when it mattered most.”
Palmer, who was later awarded the tournament’s Golden Ball, added: “I love playing in finals. This one was special.”
Chelsea’s triumph caps off a remarkable journey that began with a UEFA Europa Conference League title and a fourth-place Premier League finish. Manager Enzo Maresca described the contest beforehand as a “game of chess,” but it was his tactical blueprint that delivered a checkmate.
Maresca’s pressing system, modeled on the same approach that saw Brazil’s Botafogo defeat PSG in the group stage, completely disrupted Luis Enrique’s side. Chelsea’s pressing intensity, mixed with their compact defensive shape, denied PSG rhythm or momentum.
Palmer, João Pedro, and Gusto were particularly effective, repeatedly exposing PSG’s vulnerable left flank. Outside of an early chance for Desire Doué, PSG struggled to create meaningful opportunities.
“Chelsea executed their plan better,” PSG captain Marquinhos admitted post-match. “They exposed our weaknesses, and we didn’t react fast enough. Teams will now study us more closely, so we must adapt and improve.”
Chelsea leave the United States with silverware, a statement victory, and a rising star in Palmer, whose brilliance defined this year’s revamped Club World Cup.
Who Was Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Awujale Of Ijebuland?
The Ijebu Kingdom and Nigeria as a whole mourn the loss of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91.
The revered monarch, who reigned for 65 years, was one of Nigeria’s longest-serving traditional rulers, leaving behind a legacy of unity, cultural preservation, and transformative development.
His death, coinciding with the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, marks a profound moment of grief for the nation.
Early Life And Education
Born on May 10, 1934, in Imupa, Ijebu-Ode, Oba Sikiru Olukayode Adetona hailed from the Royal House of Anikinaiya, a lineage tracing back to Olu-Iwa and Obanta, legendary founders of the Ijebu Kingdom.
His father, Prince Rufai Adetona Adeleke, was a descendant of Oba Adeleke, Ogbagba Agbotewole I (Awujale from 1895–1906), while his mother, Ajibabi Onashile, came from Ijebu Igbo.
Adetona’s early education took him through Baptist Schools in Ereko, Ijebu-Ode, Ogbere United Primary School in Ijebu-Igbo, and Ansar-Ud-Deen School in Ijebu-Ode between 1943 and 1950.
He later attended Olu-Iwa College (now Adeola Odutola College) from 1951 to 1956.
In 1957, he joined the Audit Department of the Western Region in Ibadan but resigned in 1958 to pursue accountancy studies in the United Kingdom, demonstrating his commitment to education and self-improvement.
Path To The Throne
At the age of 26, Prince Sikiru Adetona was selected as the Awujale of Ijebuland, with his appointment approved on January 4, 1960, by the Western Region Governor in Council. His coronation on April 2, 1960, marked the beginning of a transformative era for Ijebuland.
Following a three-month traditional seclusion at the Odo, he was formally presented to the world by Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola, the Ogbeni-Oja, in a historic ceremony that underscored the dawn of a new era for the Ijebu people.
Oba Adetona’s early recognition as a charismatic leader was evident when he was nominated for the presidency of the Western Region House of Chiefs in 1960, a testament to his stature despite his youth.
Though the position went to the older Oba Adesoji Aderemi, the Oni of Ife, Adetona’s nomination highlighted his unique standing among Nigeria’s traditional rulers.
A Reign Of Transformation
Oba Adetona’s 65-year reign was marked by unparalleled contributions to Ijebuland’s cultural, social, and economic development. Known as Ogbagba Agbotewole II, he was a symbol of unity, wisdom, and progress.
Under his leadership, Ijebuland experienced a cultural renaissance, with the Ojude Oba festival gaining global recognition as a vibrant celebration of Ijebu heritage.
His efforts also fostered infrastructural growth, business expansion, and social harmony, transforming Ijebuland into a hub of commerce and tradition.
A first-class monarch with international acclaim, Oba Adetona was a vocal advocate for constitutional roles for traditional rulers in Nigeria.
His outspoken stance on governance, national unity, and ethical leadership made him a respected figure during military regimes and democratic transitions. His influence extended beyond Ijebuland, shaping national discourse on leadership and development.
Legacy And Contributions
Oba Adetona’s commitment to education was profound. In 2021, Olabisi Onabanjo University renamed its School of Governance Studies in his honor, recognizing his lifelong dedication to leadership and learning.
His initiatives in healthcare and economic development further solidified Ijebuland’s reputation as a model of progress in Ogun State.
The monarch’s personal life reflected his deep connection to his people. Married to Iyabo Oke, Modupe Ekundayo, and Oluwakemi Dodo-Williams, he was a father to nine children, leaving a family that continues his legacy within the Anikinaiya dynasty.
A Lasting Impact
Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona’s death marks the end of an era, but his legacy endures in the thriving Ijebu Kingdom and the values he championed. As Nigeria mourns this iconic ruler, his contributions to cultural preservation, education, and ethical governance will continue to inspire future generations.
May his soul rest in peace, and may Ijebuland continue to uphold the timeless values he instilled during his illustrious reign.
Tinubu, Former Leaders Set To Attend Buhari’s Burial In Daura
President Bola Tinubu alongside several past Nigerian leaders are expected to gather in Daura today as the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari is laid to rest in line with Islamic tradition.
This comes as Vice President Kashim Shettima, on the President’s directive, accompanied Buhari’s remains from London, where the former president died around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Presidency officials confirmed on Sunday night that Buhari’s remains would arrive in Nigeria early Monday and be flown directly to his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, for burial.
“The burial is tomorrow (Monday). They’re bringing his corpse over the night. They’ll go straight to Daura. So, they’ll bury him tomorrow (Monday).
You know, the Islamic rites don’t take time,” one official said, speaking anonymously.
Another source added, “When the corpse arrives, we are sure the President would go there. After they go to Daura, the President can join them there.”
When asked if other African heads of state were expected in Nigeria for condolence visits, a third official explained, “Yes, there would be mainly West African Leaders. But we don’t know who and who until they start to communicate on Monday.”
The source further noted, “The body will arrive early tomorrow and be buried. We’ll start having heads of state from West Africa. It is likely that some will come.
If they come they will stay in their hotels until they get a time to see the President tomorrow (Monday).
You know, the President just came back early hours of today. And he’s still resting.”
Tinubu had earlier announced the passing of his predecessor, who died after battling a prolonged undisclosed illness.
Nine States Yet To Pay Teachers ₦70,000 Minimum Wage
Nine states have yet to implement the ₦70,000 minimum wage for public primary school teachers, several months after President Bola Tinubu signed the new wage law on July 29, 2024. According to the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the non-compliant states are Abia, Adamawa, Ebonyi, Enugu, Gombe, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Yobe, and Zamfara.
In some of these states, teachers are still earning below the ₦30,000 minimum wage introduced in 2019, reflecting ongoing salary disputes and financial delays. The failure to adopt the new wage has caused growing discontent among educators.
In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), teachers recently ended a 100-day strike after local authorities agreed to implement the updated salary structure.
NUT President Titus Amba has called on the affected states to act swiftly, stating that paying outdated wages is unjust and risks undermining the quality of education nationwide.
Further reports indicate that about 20 states have yet to apply the ₦70,000 minimum wage to both local government workers and primary school teachers, despite federal approval aimed at easing economic hardship and inflation.
Some of the nine states had also failed to fully implement the previous ₦30,000 wage, underscoring persistent administrative and financial challenges.
The NUT continues to urge all levels of government to prioritize full implementation of the new minimum wage to support education sector stability and progress.
Who Was Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s Two-Time Head Of State?
Muhammadu Buhari was born in December 1942 in Daura in Katsina state in the far north of Nigeria, near the border with Niger. At the time, Nigeria was controlled by the British and it would be another 18 years before the country gained independence.
His early life was marked by significant influences that shaped his future. Born to a Fulani father and a Kanuri mother, Buhari’s father passed away when he was just four years old, leaving his mother to raise him. In a 2012 interview, Buhari shared that he was his father’s 23rd child and his mother’s 13th, with his only memory of his father being a vivid recollection of a horseback incident involving himself, his father, and a half-brother.
Buhari’s educational journey began at primary school in Daura, followed by boarding school in Katsina. His disciplined nature was largely shaped during his time at boarding school, where corporal punishment was common, and later reinforced during his military training. Buhari attended the Nigerian Military Training College and later underwent officer training in the UK from 1962 to 1963.
His military career progressed steadily, with notable roles including military governor of the North-East region and federal commissioner for petroleum and natural resources under General Olusegun Obasanjo’s military government in the late 1970s. Despite being a junior officer during the 1966 military coup and counter-coup, Buhari’s career advancement was rapid, reflecting his dedication and leadership abilities.
Buhari’s Legacy On Indiscipline And Corruption
By 1978, Buhari, then a colonel, had returned to being a military commander. His tough stance in 1983 – when some Nigerian islands were annexed in Lake Chad by Chadian soldiers – is still remembered in the north-east, after he blockaded the area and drove off the invaders.
The end of 1983 saw another coup, against elected President Shehu Shagari, and Buhari, now a major-general, became the country’s military ruler. By his own account, he was not one of the plotters but was installed (and subsequently discarded) by those who held the real power and needed a figurehead.
Other accounts suggest he played a more active role in removing Shagari than he was willing to admit.
Buhari ruled for 20 months, a period remembered for a campaign against indiscipline and corruption, as well as for human rights abuses.
About 500 politicians, officials and businessmen were jailed as part of a campaign against waste and corruption.
Some saw this as the heavy-handed repression of military rule. Others remember it as a praiseworthy attempt to fight the endemic corruption that was holding back Nigeria’s development.
Buhari retained a rare reputation for honesty among Nigeria’s politicians, both military and civilian, largely because of this campaign.
As part of his “war against indiscipline”, he ordered Nigerians to form neat queues at bus stops, under the sharp eyes of whip-wielding soldiers. Civil servants who were late for work were publicly humiliated by being forced to do frog jumps.
Some of his measures might have been seen as merely eccentric. But others were genuinely repressive, such as a decree to restrict press freedom, under which journalists were jailed.
Buhari’s government also locked up Nigeria’s greatest musical hero, Fela Kuti – a thorn in the side of successive leaders – on trumped-up charges relating to currency exports.
Buhari’s attempts to re-balance the public finances by curbing imports led to many job losses and the closure of businesses.
As part of anti-corruption measures, he also ordered that the currency be replaced – the colour of the naira notes was changed – forcing all holders of old notes to exchange them at banks within a limited period.
Prices rose while living standards fell, and in August 1985 Buhari was ousted and imprisoned for 40 months. Army chief Gen Ibrahim Babangida took over.
His Historic Election Victory
After his release and, he said, having seen the consequences of the break-up of the Soviet Union, Buhari decided to enter party politics, now convinced of the virtues of multiparty democracy and free and fair elections.
Despite this, Buhari always defended the 1983 coup, saying in 2005: “The military came in when it was absolutely necessary and the elected people had failed the country.”
He also rejected accusations that his measures against journalists and others had gone too far, insisting that he had been merely applying the laws that others had been breaking.
Buhari’s wife, Aisha, joined the criticism of her husband’s administration
He was elected president in 2015, becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent since the return of multiparty democracy in 1999.
As president, Buhari made a virtue of his “incorruptibility”, declaring his relatively modest wealth and saying he had “spurned several past opportunities” to enrich himself.
He was plain spoken by nature, which sometimes played well for him in the media and sometimes badly.
Although few doubted his personal commitment to fighting corruption and there were several notable scalps, some questioned whether the structures enabling mismanagement had really been reformed.
And attempts to improve youth employment prospects were, at best, a work in progress.
Nigerians vividly recall the Buhari administration’s impact on their daily lives, particularly the soaring cost of rice, a staple food.
A 50kg bag of rice, which cost around ₦7,500 under President Goodluck Jonathan, skyrocketed to ₦60,000 under Buhari’s rule. This drastic price hike was attributed to Buhari’s policy of banning rice imports to promote local production. However, local farmers couldn’t meet the demand, leading to widespread hunger and discontent.
Many Nigerians, felt the pinch. Even Buhari’s wife reportedly threatened to withdraw her support due to the economic hardship. Despite the backlash, Buhari remained unapologetic about his policies, including those implemented during his military rule.
The “bag of rice” has become a symbol of the economic challenges faced by Nigerians during Buhari’s presidency, with many still recalling the struggle to afford basic necessities.
Buhari’s Notable Moments
‘Baba go slow’
Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency was marked by several notable events and controversies. One of the earliest criticisms he faced was for the slow pace of his administration, earning him the nickname “Baba go slow.” Buhari attributed the delay to the system’s inefficiencies rather than his own leadership.
In the lead-up to the 2023 elections, Buhari’s stance on succession sparked intense speculation. Despite publicly endorsing the APC’s nominee, insiders suggested he was ambivalent about the outcome. This perceived neutrality emboldened multiple candidates, including Bola Tinubu, who ultimately won the party’s nomination.
The introduction of the naira swap policy was a highly contentious move, with many believing it was designed to limit Tinubu’s chances. The policy led to widespread shortages and economic hardship, particularly among the poor. The Supreme Court eventually intervened, suspending the policy just before the election.
Tinubu won the presidency with 37% of the votes, amid a divided opposition. Buhari’s health issues were a significant concern during his presidency, with prolonged absences from work raising questions about his fitness for office. Transparency about his health was lacking, leaving Nigerians uncertain about their leader’s well-being.
In his personal life, Buhari married twice and had 10 children. His legacy is complex, marked by both significant policy decisions and controversy.
