Sign in Subscribe
Buhari, Muhammadu

Retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari Dies at 82

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Former President Muhammadu Buhari, a man renowned for his civility, discipline, and patriotism, passed away at the age of 82. Buhari's legacy is marked by his unwavering dedication to Nigeria's unity and progress, as well as his efforts to restore integrity to public office. His commitment to a Spartan life and the eradication of corruption earned him respect from people across Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu praised Buhari, stating that he was "a patriot, a soldier, a statesman; his legacy of service and sacrifice endures."

Key Takeaways:

  • Buhari served as a military leader from January 1984 to August 1985 and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023, demonstrating his commitment to serving Nigeria.
  • He was a champion of discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and prioritized the country's unity and progress above personal interests.
  • Buhari accepted responsibility for his mistakes, saying "Whoever thought that there has been some form of injustice on him we are all humans, there is no doubt I hurt some people, and I wish they would pardon me and those who think that I have hurt them, please pardon me."
  • The former President was remembered for his decency, integrity, and exemplary life of service by former President Goodluck Jonathan, who stated, "The late President was deeply admired across the strata of society for his decency, integrity and exemplary life of service."
  • Buhari's legacy was celebrated by international leaders, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, who acknowledged his commitment to national service and his efforts to strengthen Nigeria's democratic institutions.
  • Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, and was raised by his mother after his father's death when he was four years old.
  • He joined the Nigerian Army in 1961 and underwent Officer Cadets training at Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England from 1962 to 1963, and was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in January 1963.
  • Buhari entered politics in 2003, following Nigeria's return to a democratic dispensation in 1999, and went on to serve as the consensus presidential candidate of the All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP) in 2007.

Statistics:

  • Buhari served as a military leader for 1 year and 7 months (January 1984 to August 1985) and later as a democratically elected President for 8 years (2015 to 2023).
  • He garnered 12,214,853 votes in the 2011 presidential election, coming second to Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
  • Buhari won the 2015 presidential election, defeating incumbent President Jonathan of PDP, with 22,495,197 votes.
  • He handed over power to President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023, after a smooth transition process.

Sources:

  • News Agency of Nigeria (July 14, 2025)
  • Statement by President Bola Tinubu on the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari
  • Statement by Mufti Ismail Menk on the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari
  • Statement by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria on the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari
  • Statement by the Chinese embassy in Nigeria on the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari
  • Statement by former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari
  • Statement by former President Goodluck Jonathan on the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari
  • Nigerian Military Training College, Kaduna (1961)
  • Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England (1962-1963)
  • Katsina Middle School (1953)
  • Daura and Maidua primary school (1948-1952)

Read more