Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has passed away, according to a statement made by his former aide, Garba Shehu, on Sunday, July 13.
Buhari, who led Nigeria as both a military head of state and a democratically elected president, reportedly died in a London clinic this afternoon.
Here are ten important things to know about late President Muhammadu Buhari:
1. Birth and Early Life: Muhammadu Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria. He was raised by his mother after his father’s early death.
2. Military Background: Buhari joined the Nigerian army in 1962, received training in Nigeria and abroad, and rose to the rank of Major General. He played significant roles in several military coups and served as military governor of the North Eastern State (now Borno).
3. Head of State (1983–1985): He became Nigeria’s military head of state after a coup on December 31, 1983. His regime was known for its “War Against Indiscipline” campaign, anti-corruption stance, and strict economic austerity measures. However, it was also criticized for human rights abuses and restrictions on the press.
4. Detention and Political Struggles: Buhari was overthrown in August 1985 and detained until 1988. He later ran unsuccessfully for president in 2003, 2007, and 2011 before finally winning in 2015.
5. Democratically Elected President (2015–2023): Buhari made history in 2015 by becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president in Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan. He was re-elected in 2019 for a second term.
6. Presidential Aspirations (Before 2015): After Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, Buhari ventured into politics. He ran for president unsuccessfully in 2003, 2007, and 2011 before finally winning in 2015.
7. Infrastructure and Economic Initiatives: Buhari’s administration embarked on Nigeria’s most ambitious infrastructure program since independence, including major rail, road, and airport projects, as well as reforms in the oil, gas, and power sectors.
8. Security Challenges and Boko Haram: He prioritized the fight against Boko Haram and other security threats. While there were successes in reclaiming territory from insurgents, Nigeria continued to face significant security and kidnapping challenges.
9. Health and Public Perception: Buhari’s health was a subject of public concern, with several extended absences for medical treatment abroad. This led to speculation and rumors during his presidency.
10. Death: Muhammadu Buhari died on July 13, 2025, in a clinic in London at the age of 82. His death was confirmed by his spokesperson and widely reported in Nigerian media.
