Muhammadu Buhari is a retired Nigerian Army major general and politician who served as the President of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, following a prior term as military head of state.
Quick Facts
- Full Name
- Muhammadu Buhari
- Born
- December 17, 1942
- Place of Birth
- Daura, in present-day Katsina State, British Nigeria
- Political Party
- All Progressives Congress (APC)
- Military Rank
- Major General (Retired)
- Previous Office
- Military Head of State (1983–1985)
Military Career and Early Politics
Buhari joined the Nigerian Army in 1961, training at the Mons Officer Cadet School in the United Kingdom. He held various command positions and played a role in the July 1966 counter-coup and the 1975 coup. In 1975, he was appointed Governor of the North-Eastern State and later served as the Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources under General Olusegun Obasanjo. His military career culminated in his appointment as General Officer Commanding of the 3rd Armored Division in Jos.
Military Head of State (1983–1985)
Following a successful coup in December 1983, Buhari became Nigeria’s military head of state, succeeding the democratically elected Shehu Shagari. His administration is most remembered for the ‘War Against Indiscipline’ (WAI), a campaign aimed at instilling social order and public ethics. He implemented strict economic policies, including ‘counter-trade’ to manage the country’s debt. However, his tenure was cut short in August 1985 by a bloodless coup led by General Ibrahim Babangida.
Democratic Presidency (2015–2023)
After three unsuccessful presidential bids in 2003, 2007, and 2011, Buhari won the 2015 general election under the All Progressives Congress banner. His victory was historic as the first time an incumbent president was defeated at the polls in Nigeria. His administration focused on anti-corruption efforts, national security against the Boko Haram insurgency, and large-scale infrastructure development. He secured a second term in 2019 and completed his tenure in May 2023, handing over power to Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Key Works / Related Items
- War Against Indiscipline (WAI)
- Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) Leadership
- Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund
- Petroleum Industry Act (2021)
- Anchor Borrowers’ Programme