Former President Muhammadu Buhari
By EgbemaVoice,
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away earlier today (Sunday), played a significant role in Nigeria’s political and military history over a span of four decades, serving both as a military ruler and later as a democratically elected president.
From leading a military coup in 1983 to becoming Nigeria’s democratically elected president in 2015, Buhari’s career reflects key transitions in the country’s post-independence history, marked by military rule, political realignments, and democratic evolution.
Below is a timeline of key moments that defined Buhari’s career:
1942–1962: Early life and military enlistment
1942: Born on December 17 in Daura, Katsina State.
1962: Enrolled in the Nigerian Military Training College (now NDA) in Kaduna.
1963–1966: Received further military training in the UK, India, and the US.
1967–1975: Rise through the military ranks
1967–1970: Fought in the Nigerian Civil War, earning recognition as a tough field officer.
1975: Appointed Governor of the newly created North-Eastern State under Murtala Mohammed’s regime.
1976: Became the Federal Commissioner (Minister) for Petroleum Resources under General Olusegun Obasanjo.
1977: Appointed chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, a key post that gave him economic clout.
1983: Military coup and head of state
December 31, 1983: Buhari overthrew the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari in a bloodless coup, citing corruption and mismanagement.
January 1984: He assumed office as Nigeria’s military Head of State.
Buhari introduced the controversial War Against Indiscipline, targeting lateness, queue-jumping, and corruption.
He also detained journalists and politicians, enforced strict economic policies, and cracked down on civil liberties.
1985: Ouster and detention
August 1985: Buhari was overthrown in a palace coup led by General Ibrahim Babangida.
He was arrested and detained in Benin City for over three years.
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This period marked the beginning of his public image as a no-nonsense, incorruptible nationalist, an image that would later power his return to politics.
2003–2011: Repeated presidential runs
2003: He contested for president under the All Nigeria Peoples Party but lost to President Olusegun Obasanjo.
2007: He ran again and lost to Umaru Musa Yar’Adua of the PDP in a highly controversial election.
2011: He made a third attempt under the Congress for Progressive Change but lost to incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.
Despite the defeats, Buhari’s support base in the North remained strong. He gained a reputation as a persistent contender and anti-corruption figurehead.
2013–2015: Political merger and historic victory
2013: Buhari helped broker the merger of four major opposition parties to form the All Progressives Congress.
The alliance, including ACN, CPC, ANPP, and a faction of APGA, created the first real threat to PDP’s long-standing dominance.
2015: Buhari contested for president for the fourth time, this time under the APC.
March 28, 2015: He defeated incumbent President Jonathan, becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat a sitting president in Nigeria’s history.
He was sworn in on May 29, 2015, marking his return to power, this time via the ballot box, 30 years after his military rule.
2015–2023: Presidency and mixed legacy
Re-elected in 2019, Buhari’s eight-year presidency was marked by a mix of achievements and criticism:
Successes: Infrastructure projects, agricultural reforms, TSA implementation, and anti-corruption court reforms.
Criticisms: Security lapses (banditry, insurgency), economic downturns, rising inflation, and controversial appointments.
Legacy
Buhari’s legacy is likely to remain a subject of debate. While some view him as a symbol of discipline and anti-corruption, others criticise his leadership style, perceived regional bias, and handling of national challenges.
From the military coup of 1983 to his election at the polls in 2015, Buhari’s career represents one of the most notable political transformations in Nigeria’s history, spanning both military rule and democratic governance.
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