Muhammadu Buhari: Why Nigerians Won’t Forget Him in a Hurry

The late Muhammadu Buhari remains one of the most enduring, influential, and polarising figures in Nigeria’s modern political history.

To many, his name evokes a legacy of discipline, anti-corruption, and austere leadership. To others, it represents missed opportunities and rigid governance. Regardless of perspective, one fact is certain—Nigeria will not forget Muhammadu Buhari anytime soon.

Early Life and Military Career

Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari was the 23rd child in a Fulani family. He lost his father at a young age and was raised by his mother. His formative education took place at Katsina Provincial Secondary School (now Government College, Katsina), after which he joined the Nigerian Military Training College in 1962.

Buhari furthered his military education in the UK and the United States, including at the prestigious US Army War College. Rising swiftly through the ranks, he served in various strategic roles, including as Military Governor of the North-Eastern State in 1975 and as Federal Commissioner for Petroleum under General Olusegun Obasanjo.

Military Rule and War Against Indiscipline

On December 31, 1983, Buhari emerged as Nigeria’s military Head of State following a coup that ousted President Shehu Shagari. His regime was defined by a no-nonsense approach to governance, crystallised through the launch of the War Against Indiscipline (WAI)—a campaign that sought to instil public order and national ethics.

However, his administration was equally criticised for human rights abuses, press censorship, and harsh decrees—most notably Decree No. 4, which criminalised reports deemed embarrassing to the government. His government was eventually toppled by General Ibrahim Babangida in August 1985.

Return to Civilian Life and Political Resurgence

After a period of political silence, Buhari returned to national consciousness in the 1990s, briefly serving as Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) under General Sani Abacha, managing infrastructure projects funded by excess oil revenues.

His transition into civilian politics began in earnest in 2003 when he contested the presidency under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). Though he lost, Buhari remained undeterred, contesting again in 2007 and 2011. In 2013, he co-founded the All Progressives Congress (APC), a coalition formed to challenge the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP).

Democratically Elected President

Buhari made history in 2015 when he became the first opposition candidate to unseat an incumbent president through the ballot box, defeating Goodluck Jonathan. His victory was hailed as a watershed moment for Nigeria’s democracy.

Re-elected in 2019, Buhari campaigned on three core pillars: anti-corruption, security, and economic revival. While his administration recorded some gains—particularly in agriculture and infrastructure—it also faced strong criticism over rising insecurity, slow economic recovery, and perceived authoritarian tendencies.

The handling of the #EndSARS protests in 2020 and the controversial Twitter ban in 2021 following the deletion of a presidential tweet cast shadows over his record on civil liberties.

Health Challenges and Medical Trips

Buhari’s recurring health issues were a constant feature during his presidency. He spent at least 225 days outside Nigeria on medical trips—most notably in 2017, when he was away for 104 days straight in London.

Despite allocating ₦33.3 billion to State House medical facilities during his tenure, Buhari continued to seek treatment abroad, sparking public outcry. His aides defended the decision, citing his long-standing relationship with a specific medical team.

A Legacy in Numbers and Influence

To his core supporters, Buhari remains a symbol of moral rectitude and national service. His stronghold in the North, particularly among rural voters, delivered him a consistent bloc of nearly 12 million votes across several elections.

Now, following his death, political observers are asking: Who inherits Buhari’s loyal voter base?

Figures like former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai and ex-Attorney General Abubakar Malami are seen as potential successors to his political mantle, though filling Buhari’s shoes may prove challenging.

Impact on 2027 and the Northern Power Play

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, Buhari’s absence creates a power vacuum in northern politics. Who will emerge as the new northern political force? And how will this affect President Tinubu’s re-election bid?

The race to fill Buhari’s political void is certain to reshape alliances and ignite realignments that will ripple across the country’s political architecture.

Love him or loathe him, Muhammadu Buhari was a man who left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s governance—first as a military leader, then as a two-term democratic president.

He may have passed on, but the debates about his policies, principles, and political impact will remain alive for generations to come.

Vanguard

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