Muhammadu Buhari was a Nigerian leader who played important roles in both the military and democratic systems of government. He became well known as a strict and disciplined general, driven by a strong desire to fix problems and promote honesty in leadership.
Later in life, he became a civilian president and focused on fighting corruption, improving infrastructure, and addressing security issues. While many praised his efforts, others criticized parts of his leadership, leaving behind a legacy that continues to spark conversation and reflection across Nigeria.
Profile
Full Name: Muhammadu Buhari
Date of Birth: December 17, 1942
Place of Birth: Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria
Date of Death: July 13, 2025
Nationality: Nigerian
Ethnicity: Fulani
Religion: Islam
Early Life and Education
Muhammadu Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, a quiet town in Katsina State, northern Nigeria. He was the twenty-third child of his father, Adamu Bafallaji, a Fulani chieftain, and his mother, Zulaihat. After losing his father at the age of four, Buhari was raised by his mother in a modest and deeply religious household. His early years were shaped by Islamic teachings and the values of discipline and humility that were common in his community.
As a child, Buhari attended Qur’anic school where he learned the basics of Islamic education and helped with cattle rearing. He later enrolled in primary school in Daura and Maidua, completing his studies there between 1948 and 1952. In 1953, he moved on to Katsina Middle School and eventually gained admission into Katsina Provincial Secondary School, now known as Government College Katsina. He was known for being quiet, focused, and responsible, and he served as house captain and head boy during his time there.
Buhari initially considered studying medicine, but the limited options available led him to explore other paths. He was advised by his relative, Mamman Daura, to consider a career in the military. In 1961, he joined the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey in service to the nation. His decision to join the army was driven by a desire to serve and protect Nigeria, and he quickly showed promise as a disciplined and committed cadet.
His military training took him beyond Nigeria’s borders. Buhari attended the Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England, where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1963. He also received further training in India and the United States, including at the United States Army War College. These experiences helped shape his leadership style and broadened his understanding of global military practices. He returned to Nigeria with a strong sense of duty and began rising through the ranks of the army.
Throughout his early life and education, Buhari demonstrated a deep commitment to discipline, integrity, and national service. His upbringing in a conservative household, combined with his exposure to both Islamic and Western education, gave him a unique perspective on leadership. These qualities would later define his approach to governance and public life, making him one of Nigeria’s most recognized and debated figures.
Personal Life
Muhammadu Buhari was married twice in his lifetime. His first wife, Safinatu Yusuf, was known for her quiet and graceful presence. They got married in 1971 and had five children together before their marriage ended in 1988. Sadly, two of their children, Musa and Zulaihat, passed away at young ages. Safinatu herself died in 2006 after battling diabetes.
In 1989, Buhari married Aisha Halilu, who later became Nigeria’s First Lady during his presidency. Aisha was outspoken and active in public affairs, often sharing her views on national issues. Together, they had five children and built a home life that balanced tradition with modern values. Aisha’s bold personality brought a new kind of visibility to the role of First Lady.
Buhari was known for living a modest and disciplined lifestyle. He valued family deeply and raised his children with strong religious and cultural principles. Despite his public responsibilities, he remained connected to his roots and often spoke about the importance of integrity and service. His personal life reflected the same values he tried to uphold in leadership.
Career
Muhammadu Buhari’s career began in the Nigerian Army, where he joined as a cadet in 1961. He trained at the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna and later at the Mons Officer Cadet School in England. His military journey was marked by discipline and steady progress. He served in various capacities, including as a platoon commander and brigade major during the Nigerian Civil War. His performance in the war earned him recognition and helped him rise through the ranks.
In the 1970s, Buhari held several important military and administrative positions. He was appointed military governor of the North-Eastern State in 1975 and later became the first governor of Borno State after the region was reorganized. He also served as the Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources under General Olusegun Obasanjo. During this time, he oversaw the creation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and helped expand the country’s oil infrastructure.
Buhari’s first major leadership role came in 1983 when he led a military coup that overthrew the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari. He became Nigeria’s Head of State and launched the War Against Indiscipline campaign to promote order and accountability. His administration focused on fighting corruption and reducing government waste. However, his strict policies and human rights record drew criticism, and he was eventually removed from power in another coup in 1985.
After his removal, Buhari stayed out of the public eye for several years. In 1994, he returned to government service as the chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund under General Sani Abacha. The fund was created to manage excess oil revenues and invest in infrastructure. Buhari was praised for his transparent management of the fund, although some critics questioned the distribution of resources. His work at the PTF helped rebuild his public image and prepared him for a return to politics.
Buhari entered democratic politics in the early 2000s. He ran for president in 2003, 2007, and 2011 but lost each time. His campaigns focused on anti-corruption, security, and economic reform. Despite the losses, he remained a popular figure, especially in northern Nigeria. In 2013, he helped form the All Progressives Congress, a coalition of opposition parties aimed at challenging the ruling People’s Democratic Party.
In 2015, Buhari won the presidential election, defeating incumbent Goodluck Jonathan. His victory marked the first time an opposition candidate had unseated a sitting president in Nigeria. As president, Buhari promised to fight corruption, improve security, and revive the economy. He launched several initiatives, including the Treasury Single Account to manage government funds and the whistleblower policy to recover stolen assets. His administration also invested in infrastructure, such as roads, railways, and power projects.
Security remained a major challenge during Buhari’s presidency. His government made progress against Boko Haram in the northeast, but new threats emerged, including banditry and kidnappings in other parts of the country. Buhari increased military funding and restructured the armed forces, but many Nigerians felt that the security situation worsened. His handling of the #EndSARS protests in 2020, which called for an end to police brutality, drew widespread criticism.
Economically, Buhari’s tenure saw mixed results. Nigeria experienced two recessions, and inflation remained high. His government promoted agricultural development and tried to reduce dependence on oil. Social investment programs like N-Power were introduced to support youth employment and reduce poverty. However, many Nigerians struggled with rising costs and limited job opportunities. Critics argued that his economic policies lacked flexibility and failed to address the needs of ordinary citizens.
Buhari’s leadership style was often described as quiet and reserved. He delegated many responsibilities to his aides and rarely addressed the public directly. His frequent medical trips to the United Kingdom raised concerns about transparency and governance. Despite these issues, he maintained a reputation for personal integrity and modest living. His supporters admired his commitment to discipline and national unity, while his opponents saw him as distant and slow to act.
After completing his second term in 2023, Buhari retired from politics and returned to his hometown of Daura. He remained a respected figure in Nigerian politics, with a legacy that sparked both admiration and debate. His career reflected the complexities of leadership in a diverse and evolving nation. From military rule to democratic governance, Buhari’s journey shaped Nigeria’s history and left a lasting impact on its future.
Net worth
Muhammadu Buhari was known for his modest lifestyle and simple approach to wealth. In 2015, he publicly declared his assets, which included a few houses in Kaduna, Daura, Kano, and Abuja, as well as shares in companies like Berger Paints and Union Bank. He also owned a farm with cattle, sheep, horses, and birds, along with two undeveloped plots of land. His bank account reportedly held about thirty million naira at the time. He had no foreign accounts, factories, or oil businesses, and he often emphasized that he lived off the proceeds of his farm.
Although some sources estimated his net worth to be around eighty to one hundred million dollars, Buhari himself insisted that his assets remained unchanged throughout his presidency. He was praised by many for not accumulating wealth through public office and for maintaining transparency. His financial profile stood out in a country where many leaders are often linked to large fortunes. Whether admired or questioned, Buhari’s approach to wealth reflected his personal values and his belief in leading by example.
FAQs
Who was Muhammadu Buhari?
He was a Nigerian military officer and politician who served as Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023.
What was Buhari known for?
He was widely recognized for his anti-corruption stance, disciplined leadership style, and efforts to improve national security.
Did Buhari serve in the military?
Yes, he joined the Nigerian Army in 1961 and rose to the rank of Major General. He played key roles during the Nigerian Civil War and held several military and administrative positions.
How many times did Buhari run for president?
He contested four times and won in 2015 and 2019 after losing in 2003, 2007, and 2011.
Was Buhari married?
Yes, he was married to Safinatu Yusuf and later to Aisha Halilu. He had ten children.
What was his net worth?
Buhari was known for his modest lifestyle. He declared limited assets and was not linked to large personal wealth.
When did Buhari die?
He passed away on July 13, 2025, in London at the age of 82.