Muhammadu Buhari was one of Nigeria’s most popular and sometimes controversial leaders. He played a big part in the country’s history for over 50 years. From leading the army to becoming president, Buhari was known for fighting corruption and enforcing discipline. Even after he left office in 2023, he still remained an important figure in Nigerian politics. Buhari died on July 13, 2025, in a London hospital after a long illness. His death brought an end to a long public life that left a strong mark on Nigeria.

Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, a town in northern Nigeria. He was the 23rd child of his father and grew up in a deeply religious Muslim home. His upbringing with strong Islamic and cultural values shaped how he led throughout his life.

Buhari joined the army in 1961 and got military training in Nigeria, the UK, and India. He fought in the Nigerian civil war and moved up the ranks through the years. He was known for being disciplined and firm, and his military background earned him a lot of respect.

In 1983, Buhari took over as Head of State after the military overthrew the elected government. He launched an anti-corruption campaign and started the “War Against Indiscipline” to fix the country’s morals and behavior. But his leadership was also seen as harsh, and he was removed in another military takeover in 1985.

After retiring from the army, Buhari joined politics. He ran for president in 2003, 2007, and 2011 but didn’t win. He finally won in 2015 as a candidate of the APC, defeating then-president Goodluck Jonathan. It was the first time a sitting president lost an election in Nigeria. He was re-elected in 2019.

As president, Buhari focused on fighting corruption, improving security, and boosting the economy. His government arrested many corrupt politicians and fought Boko Haram terrorists. However, Nigeria went through economic troubles, with inflation and job losses. His government also built roads, railways, and supported farming.

While Buhari focused on anti-corruption, his government was often accused of not respecting human rights. Critics said he used security forces to silence protests and jailed people unfairly. The #EndSARS protest in 2020 is one example, where peaceful protesters were shot at by security forces.

Even though his government had problems, Buhari was known for living a simple life and being honest with money. Many Nigerians believed he didn’t steal public funds. He declared his assets when he became president, although others in his government were not as transparent.

One major issue during Buhari’s presidency was his health. Between 2017 and 2019, he spent over 150 days in the UK for medical reasons. These long absences made people worry about his health and whether he could properly lead the country. It also raised questions about Nigeria’s poor healthcare system.

His wife, Aisha Buhari, served as First Lady from 2015 to 2023. She became known for openly criticizing some of Buhari’s decisions and government officials. They had five children together. Buhari had been married before to Safinatu Yusuf, and they had five children before divorcing in 1988.

Even after leaving office in 2023, Buhari still had a lot of influence, especially in northern Nigeria. Although he didn’t speak much about politics after stepping down, he remained respected within his party and among many Nigerians.

Muhammadu Buhari’s life story covers many important parts of Nigeria’s journey—from military coups and civil war to democracy and national reforms. While some people praised his honesty and tough leadership, others criticized his harsh methods and the country’s economic problems. No matter the opinion, Buhari will always be remembered as a major figure in Nigeria’s history.