Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s former president and ex-military ruler who rose to power in 2015 on promises of reform, anti-corruption, and national security – but left behind a crippling economic crisis that plunged millions deeper into poverty amid worsening insecurity – died Sunday at 82 in a London hospital.
His death, confirmed by President Bola Tinubu marks the end of a life that profoundly shaped Nigeria’s political and economic landscape — a legacy sometimes deeply polarizing, defined by perceived personal integrity but also marred by sharp criticism over his stewardship and human rights record.
“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), GCFR, my predecessor, who departed this life today, Sunday, July 13, 2025, at a hospital in the United Kingdom,” President Bola Tinubu, said in a statement on Sunday.
Buhari was the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president in Nigeria, hailed at the time as a turning point for the nation. But his eight-year civilian tenure, from 2015 to 2023, was defined more by severe economic hardship, unfulfilled reform promises, and growing insecurity than the sweeping change he once pledged.
Under the former leader, Nigeria suffered two economic recessions, record unemployment, and runaway inflation. Though global oil prices played a role in the downturn, many of the former general’s economic policies were self-inflicted wounds. An example was his decision to close the borders and restrict food imports at a time the country’s domestic production was grossly inadequate.
His government’s decision to ban rice imports to boost local production led to soaring prices. By the end of his rule, the cost of a 50kg bag of rice, a staple in Nigerian homes, had risen from ₦7,500 under his predecessor to over ₦65,000.
Despite borrowing trillions of naira, Nigeria’s poverty deepened while debt burden ballooned. At one point, the country became home to the world’s largest population of extremely poor people. The borrowings which the government said went to infrastructure, failed to close severe gaps in key areas such as power and road construction.
Corruption and Security Crisis
Buhari came to power promising to crush corruption, a central theme of his campaign. He had previously jailed hundreds during his short stint as military ruler in the 1980s and was perceived as personally austere.
But in office, his anti-corruption crusade proved underwhelming. High-profile aides and cabinet members faced serious allegations but remained untouched. Buhari himself refused to publicly declare his full assets. When he eventually did under public pressure, full details of his assets were not released to the public. One of the most controversial acts of his presidency was granting pardon to convicted former governors jailed for embezzlement by past administrations.
Despite the establishment of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption and other bodies, few top-level convictions were secured. Former Central Bank governor Godwin Emefiele who served under his watch is currently facing trial for multi-billion naira financial scandals — but only after Buhari had left office.
Buhari’s presidency also faltered on the issue of national security. Despite early gains against Boko Haram, insurgency morphed into multiple crises: banditry in the northwest, farmer-herder crisis in the middle belt, separatist unrest in the southeast, and mass kidnappings of schoolchildren.
One of the most damning stains on his record remains the October 2015 massacre of Shiite Muslims in Zaria, Kaduna State. Human rights groups estimate hundreds of members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria were killed by Nigerian soldiers. The government admitted burying 347 in a mass grave. Buhari defended the military’s actions, and no one was held to account. The killings received little judicial attention throughout Buhari’s time in office.
In 2020, during the #EndSARS protests against police brutality, security forces opened fire on unarmed demonstrators at Lagos’ Lekki Toll Gate. The government denied wrongdoing, but leaked videos and eyewitness accounts confirmed fatalities.
Military to Civilian: A Life of Contradictions
Born in Daura, Katsina State in 1942, the former leader joined the army at 19 and rose to major-general. He became Nigeria’s military ruler after a 1983 coup, and was known for his strict “War Against Indiscipline.” His regime jailed journalists and activists, and forced civil servants to do frog jumps for lateness.
He was ousted in 1985 and spent decades trying to return to power through democratic means. In 2015, his fourth presidential attempt finally succeeded. But by the time he left in 2023, he was seen by many as a symbol of broken promises. His presidency was punctuated by long medical leaves in London, including a months-long absence in 2017. The nature of his illness was never disclosed.
“Buhari had all the power and resources to build a standard hospital in Nigeria that would have catered for his medical needs, but he failed to do so,” human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, said.
“To his family, Buhari may have been a caring and loving father, but to many Nigerians, he was a colossal disaster.”.
President Tinubu said he had directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to London, where he would accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria for burial.
Buhari is survived by his wife Aisha and 10 children.
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