Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has died at the age of 82 while receiving treatment at a clinic in London, according to a statement from his family. Buhari, who led Nigeria both as a military ruler and as a democratically elected president, passed away following an undisclosed illness. He had travelled to the UK in April for a routine medical check-up but reportedly took ill shortly thereafter.
Born in December 1942 in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari had a long and complex relationship with Nigeria’s turbulent political history. He joined the army shortly after the country’s independence from Britain and quickly rose through the ranks. In 1983, he became Nigeria’s military head of state following a coup that ousted the civilian government of Shehu Shagari. During his 20-month rule, Buhari launched a controversial “War Against Indiscipline” that targeted corruption but was widely criticised for its authoritarian excesses, including press restrictions and human rights abuses.
After being overthrown in 1985 and spending 40 months in detention, Buhari re-emerged on Nigeria’s political scene in the 2000s, this time as a self-proclaimed converted democrat. After three failed attempts, he made history in 2015 by defeating incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, becoming Nigeria’s first opposition candidate to win a presidential election. He was re-elected in 2019.
During his presidency, Buhari vowed to tackle corruption, unemployment, and the Islamist insurgency in the north. While he maintained a reputation for personal integrity, his administration was dogged by criticism over worsening insecurity, economic struggles, and perceived inaction on ethnic tensions. Boko Haram and armed bandits remained persistent threats, while police brutality and government crackdowns on dissent sparked mass protests, notably the #EndSARS movement.
Despite these challenges, Buhari retained support among many in northern Nigeria, especially the rural poor. His legacy remains polarising to some, a symbol of incorruptible leadership and discipline; to others, a rigid figure who failed to adapt to the demands of a complex democracy.
Muhammadu Buhari leaves behind a mixed legacy in Nigeria’s post-independence history a leader respected for his integrity but remembered for missed opportunities in transforming Africa’s most populous nation.
