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.