The Roller Coaster Life and Time of Muhammadu Buhari, a Legacy of Contrasts

By Shola Adebowale

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has passed away at the age of 82 in London, following a prolonged illness. The news was confirmed by his family spokesperson, Garba Shehu, who released a statement on Sunday, July 13, 2025, saying, “May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin.”

Buhari’s life was marked by significant milestones, from his early days as a military leader to his presidency. Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari rose to prominence as a military leader, seizing power in a 1983 coup. As Head of State from 1983 to 1985, Buhari’s tenure was marked by controversy. One notable incident was the seizure of the passports of Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, the Ooni of Ife, and Alhaji Ado Bayero, the Emir of Kano, which was seen as an affront to traditional institutions. Ado Bayero and Sijuwade were suspended and given a six-month house arrest for traveling to Israel without government approval, a move that strained relations between Nigeria and Israel at the time. Additionally, his government ransacked the country home of venerated Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a move that was widely criticized and seen as an attack on the Yoruba nation. These actions stirred up discontent and laid the groundwork for the dissatisfaction that would eventually lead to his overthrow in a military palace coup led by General Ibrahim Babangida in August ,1985.

Moreover, Buhari’s government was known for its strict and often brutal approach to governance. One notable incident was the arrest of Afrobeat maestro Fela Anikulapo Kuti for having foreign currency in his possession. Fela was arrested, convicted and sentenced to prison. Buhari’s government also cracked down on alleged drug pushers, with several individuals, including Bartholomew Ogedengbe, being sentenced to death by firing squad. This period also saw a significant clampdown on the press, with various military decrees restricting press freedom and leading to the detention of journalists.

Furthermore, Buhari’s government was also implicated in a plot to kidnap Umaru Dikko, a former Nigerian minister living in London, in a crate on a Nigerian plane. The operation was foiled by British security operatives, leading to the seizure of the Nigerian plane involved. Buhari retaliated by seizing a British plane in Nigeria, straining diplomatic relations between the two countries. This incident sparked a notable row with the British government of Margaret Thatcher, further complicating Buhari’s relations with the international community.

For emphasis, the Umaru Dikko kidnapping attempt was a dramatic episode that took place in London on July 5, 1984. Dikko, Nigeria’s former Transport Minister, had fled to London after the military coup led by General Muhammadu Buhari in 1983. Dikko was accused of embezzling millions of dollars in oil profits and was vocal in his criticism of the new regime. The Nigerian government, in collaboration with Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, hatched a plan to kidnap Dikko and bring him back to Nigeria to stand trial. Dikko was abducted outside his home, drugged unconscious, and placed in a crate intended to be shipped back to Nigeria as diplomatic cargo. However, the plan was foiled when customs officials at Stansted Airport noticed something suspicious about the crates.

In response to the UK’s handling of the kidnapping attempt, Nigerian authorities took retaliatory action. The incident strained diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the UK. Nigerian authorities detained a British Caledonian aircraft, its crew, and passengers in Lagos. After two days, the Nigerian authorities released the plane, crew, and passengers. However, the incident marked a significant strain in relations between the two countries, with the UK severing diplomatic ties with Nigeria for two years. This incident highlights the tense diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the UK during Buhari’s regime, particularly regarding the Umaru Dikko kidnapping attempt.

One notable aspect of Buhari’s legacy is his role in the 2023 presidential election. Despite being the incumbent president, Buhari tactically refused to support his vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, or the then-former governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who would eventually become the president. Instead, Buhari backed the then-Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, who is also from the north. This move was seen as a strategic attempt to maintain northern dominance in Nigerian politics. Tinubu, however, navigated the election on his own and won the presidency by a razor-thin majority vote, marking a significant moment in Nigerian politics and showcasing his political prowess.

Interestingly, Buhari’s government was also embroiled in controversy surrounding the naira redesign policy implemented by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under Godwin Emefiele’s leadership. The policy, which involved redesigning the naira notes, was introduced few months before the 2023 elections and caused widespread hardship due to the scarcity of new notes. According to reports, Emefiele implemented the policy without Buhari’s explicit approval, sparking questions about the motivations behind the policy. Some speculated that the policy was designed to disrupt Tinubu’s candidacy, but it ultimately backfired and caused immense suffering for Nigerians. The policy has also led to ongoing court cases, with Emefiele facing allegations of financial offenses and awarding contracts without proper procedures .

Furthermore, Muhammadu Buhari’s leadership style was defined by austerity, discipline, and a reputation for personal integrity. However, his cabinet selection and appointments drew criticism for perceived regional bias. Most of the service and security chiefs appointed during his tenure hailed from the North, while key cabinet positions also seemed to favor individuals from the same region. Critics argued that this was an attempt at “northernisation” of power, sparking concerns about favoritism and regional dominance.

Buhari was also perceived as being too slow in taking decisions for a dynamic complex nation like Nigeria. In his first term, it took him several months to appoint ministers, causing chaos in many ministries and parastatals, and contributing to a major economic meltdown. This delay in appointing ministers hindered the government’s ability to effectively address pressing issues, further exacerbating the economic challenges faced by the nation.

Some notable appointments that fueled concerns about regional bias include, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, and Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya, among others. Key cabinet positions also seemed to favor individuals from the North, such as Minister of Petroleum, Minister of Defence Bashir Salihi Magashi, Minister of Finance Zainab Ahmed, and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Sadiya Umar Faruk.

Despite these criticisms, Buhari’s government maintained that appointments were based on merit and loyalty to the administration. However, the distribution of cabinet positions across geopolitical zones was a subject of discussion, with the North West having 9 senior ministers, North East 4 senior ministers, South West 5 senior ministers, South East 4 senior ministers, South South 3 senior ministers, and North Central 3 senior ministers .

During his term in office, there were several instances where rumors of Buhari’s death spread like wildfire.Therefore, the news of Muhammadu Buhari’s passing few hours ago has sparked a mix of reactions, with some Nigerians joking that the former president had been declared dead long ago. In retrospect , in 2017, a conspiracy theory claiming Buhari had died and been replaced by a Sudanese lookalike named Jubril gained traction. This theory was fueled by Buhari’s prolonged absences from public view due to health issues and the lack of information about his condition.

Some internet users had even created content, including videos of Queen Elizabeth II’s supposed condolence message to Buhari’s family and the people of Nigeria. The rumors were repeatedly denied by the government, but they highlighted concerns about Buhari’s health and the stability of the Nigerian government.

Given the history of these conspiracy theories, some Nigerians are now poking fun at the situation, suggesting that perhaps it was Jubril, the purported clone, who has actually passed away. The speculation surrounding Buhari’s health and identity had become a recurring theme during his presidency, with many questioning whether the man in charge was indeed the real Buhari .

The perception of Muhammadu Buhari’s legacy is as complex as his characteristic, reflecting the multifaceted nature of his presidency. Supporters view him as a reformer who spearheaded anti-corruption efforts and economic reforms, while critics see him as a revanchist, rigid and out of touch with Nigeria’s socio-economic realities. His administration faced numerous challenges, including the Boko Haram insurgency, economic downturns, and rising insecurity.

Despite these challenges, Buhari remained committed to his anti-corruption agenda and efforts to reform Nigeria’s economy and military. However, his economic policies have been met with mixed reactions, with some arguing that they exacerbated inflation and strained regional relations. The country’s debt profile almost doubled during his tenure, rising from N42 trillion to N77 trillion, with debt servicing increasing from N1.06 trillion in 2015 to N5.24 trillion as of 2022.

Some Nigerians harbor deep-seated suspicions about Buhari’s role in the insecurity plaguing the country, with a lingering narrative suggesting he allegedly hired mercenaries from across the Sahel region in his quest for power in 2015. According to this theory, these mercenaries were not repatriated and instead morphed into bandits terrorizing communities in the northwest, engaging in kidnappings, cattle rustling, and other violent crimes. This narrative has fueled widespread discontent and mistrust, with many believing that these bandits are still operating with some level of impunity, further exacerbating the security challenges in the region.

Overall, Buhari’s legacy is marked by both progress and challenges, reflecting the complexities of Nigeria’s socio-political dynamics. While some view him as a champion of anti-corruption and reform, others see him as a leader who failed to address the country’s pressing security and economic issues ,but rather exacerbated them the more.

Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a patriot, soldier, and statesman who served Nigeria with dedication. Tinubu praised Buhari’s legacy, saying he “stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential”. As a mark of respect, Tinubu has directed that national flags be flown at half-staff across the country for seven days and has summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council session dedicated to Buhari’s honor. While Vice President Kashim Shettima has been dispatched to the UK to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.

Several notable Nigerians have paid tribute to Buhari, including Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who expressed shock at his passing and offered condolences to his family and close associates. The Northern Governors’ Forum described Buhari as an iconic figure whose life embodied discipline, integrity, and unwavering commitment to serving Nigeria. They praised his leadership and patriotism, saying he was a mentor and moral compass.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (Northern Chapter) also paid tribute to Buhari’s legacy, acknowledging his patriotism, discipline, and desire for a united Nigeria. They urged Nigerians to honor his memory through unity and peaceful coexistence. The ECOWAS Commission described Buhari as a distinguished statesman who played a pivotal role in advancing democracy and cooperation across West Africa, leaving a lasting imprint on regional cooperation and political development.

Other notable figures, such as reality TV star Tacha, have also paid tribute to Buhari, with Tacha saying “No matter your views, Muhammadu Buhari was a major part of Nigeria’s story. RIP”.

In conclusion, Muhammadu Buhari’s life and legacy serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges that define Nigerian politics. His leadership style, characterized by austerity and discipline, elicited both admiration and criticism, reflecting the multifaceted nature of his presidency. As Nigeria mourns his passing, it becomes increasingly evident that his impact on the nation’s history will be etched in the annals of time, remembered for generations to come.

As the Bard himself once penned, “All the world’s a stage, and all men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances.” Buhari’s grand exit marks the culmination of a life devoted to service, discipline, and leadership. His time on the stage of Nigerian politics has come to a close, leaving behind a legacy that will be debated and dissected for years to come.

In the stern words of Ecclesiastes, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” Buhari’s passing serves as a stark reminder of the transience of human life and the fleeting nature of earthly achievements. Like Alexander the Great, who conquered vast swaths of the known world only to exit with nothing but a tomb, Buhari’s legacy will be defined not by the power he wielded, but by the impact he had on his nation and its people .

As Nigerians reflect on Buhari’s life and legacy, they are reminded that life is temporal, and all earthly pursuits are but a mere whisper in the winds of time. His story serves as a warning to all mortals: power is fleeting, legacy is complex, and the true measure of a life well-lived lies not in the titles we hold, but in the positive impact we have on our fellow human beings .

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