🔥 Trending Who is President Muhammadu Buhari? Biography, Career, and Legacy

Muhammadu Buhari was a Nigerian military leader and politician who served as the country's military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and later as its democratically elected civilian president from 2015 to 2023 ¹². He passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82, in a London clinic ¹³⁶.

Early Life and Military Career

Born on December 17, 1942, Buhari's career was deeply intertwined with Nigeria's political landscape ¹⁷. He rose through the ranks of the Nigerian military, eventually leading a military coup on December 31, 1983 ²⁵. This coup brought him to power as Nigeria's military head of state, a position he held until August 27, 1985 ⁵. During this period, he was known for his austere leadership and efforts to combat corruption ³⁶.

Transition to Democratic Politics

After his military rule, Buhari made several unsuccessful attempts to become Nigeria's democratically elected president, running in 2003, 2007, and 2011 ². His persistence eventually paid off in 2015 when he won the presidential election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ⁸. He was re-elected in 2019, serving two terms until May 2023 ⁵⁸.

Presidency (2015-2023)

Buhari's tenure as president began on May 29, 2015, and concluded on May 29, 2023 ⁵. His presidency focused on tackling corruption, improving security, and diversifying the Nigerian economy. However, he faced significant challenges, including economic downturns and persistent security issues ³.

Recent News

Buhari's death on July 13, 2025, in a London clinic, brought his long and impactful political life to an end ¹³⁶. He had reportedly traveled to the UK for a routine medical check-up in April but subsequently fell ill ⁴. His passing marks the end of an era for a figure who was often at the center of Nigeria's dramatic political changes over five decades ⁷.