Life, Power, and Controversy: 11 Things you didn’t know about Mohammadu Buhari

As Nigerians mourn the demise of one it’s most influential leader, Daily Watch Nigeria brings to you 11 things you probably didn’t know about ‘Iron to Broom’ leader. 

Muhammadu Buhari was one of Nigeria’s most enduring and consequential leaders, whose influence stretched across the country’s military and democratic history for more than five decades.

A man often described as disciplined, austere, and principled, Buhari was both admired and criticized for his hard-line leadership style, anti-corruption campaigns, and conservative governance approach.

From leading a military regime in the early 1980s to returning decades later as a democratically elected president, Buhari’s story is one of resilience, controversy, and national impact.

On July 13, 2025, he passed away in a London hospital after a long battle with illness, bringing to an end the life of one of Nigeria’s most recognizable public figures.

Here are 10 essential things to know about the late Muhammadu Buhari:

1. He Was Born in Daura, Katsina State

Muhammadu Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, a historic town in present-day Katsina State, in Nigeria’s far North.

Mohammadu Buhari during his youthful days.

He was the twenty-third child of his father, Mallam Hardo Adamu, a Fulani nobleman.

Raised in a traditional Islamic household, Buhari’s upbringing was deeply rooted in northern cultural values and Islamic teachings, which would later influence both his public and private life.

2. Buhari Had a Distinguished Military Career

Buhari enlisted in the Nigerian Army in 1961, training at the Nigerian Military Training College (now Nigerian Defence Academy) and later at prestigious military institutions abroad, including Mons Officer Cadet School in the United Kingdom and Defence Services Staff College in India.

He actively served during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) and steadily rose through the ranks to become a Major General. Known for his discipline and military tact, Buhari held several key positions, including as Military Governor of the then North-Eastern State (1975–1976) and Federal Commissioner (Minister) for Petroleum Resources (1976–1978) under the Olusegun Obasanjo military government.

3. Buhari Served as Nigeria’s Military Head of State (1983–1985)

On December 31, 1983, Buhari became Nigeria’s military Head of State after a coup that ousted the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari.

His short but impactful regime was marked by a vigorous anti-corruption drive, economic austerity measures, and the War Against Indiscipline (WAI), a campaign aimed at restoring public morality, order, and accountability.

Buhari during his military regime in 1983.

However, his government was criticized for heavy-handedness, human rights violations, and suppression of press freedom.

His administration was toppled in August 1985 by another military coup led by General Ibrahim Babangida.

4. He Contested for Presidency Four Times Before Winning

Following his retirement from military service, Buhari made several attempts to return to national leadership through democratic means.

He contested for Nigeria’s presidency under various platforms in 2003, 2007, and 2011, losing all three elections.

His breakthrough came in 2015 when he contested under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and made history by defeating incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, the first time an opposition candidate unseated a sitting Nigerian president in a general election. He was re-elected for a second term in 2019.

5. Buhari’s Presidency Focused on Anti-Corruption, Security, and Economic Recovery

Throughout his civilian presidency, Buhari maintained a strict anti-corruption stance, with his administration initiating investigations and prosecutions of high-profile figures.

He prioritized security, particularly the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, and invested in infrastructural development, agriculture, and social intervention programs. However, his government faced criticism for economic mismanagement, rising inflation, unemployment, and two recessions, which strained the nation’s economy.

6. He Was Widely Criticized for Human Rights and Press Freedom Issues

Buhari’s administration faced significant backlash for its handling of civil liberties, human rights, and press freedom.

The government was accused of stifling dissent, detaining journalists, and suppressing protests.

The most notable incident was during the #EndSARS movement in October 2020, when security forces opened fire on unarmed protesters at Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, sparking nationwide outrage and international condemnation.

7. Buhari Maintained a Reputation for Personal Integrity

Despite controversies surrounding his government’s human rights record and economic policies, Buhari consistently maintained a public image of personal integrity and modest living.

He was widely regarded as a disciplined and incorruptible leader, with even his political opponents acknowledging his austere lifestyle and straightforwardness.

Buhari reportedly declared his assets publicly when he assumed office in 2015, a rare move among Nigerian public officials.

8. He Spent Extended Periods Abroad for Medical Treatment

A notable aspect of Buhari’s presidency was his recurring medical trips to the United Kingdom.

Between 2017 and 2019, he spent several months receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment, fueling concerns over the secrecy surrounding his health status and the implications for governance continuity.

His prolonged absences raised national debates about transparency in leadership and the state of Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

9. Buhari Was Married to Aisha Buhari

Muhammadu Buhari was married to Aisha Buhari (née Halilu), a trained cosmetologist, author, and First Lady of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023.

Aisha gained public attention for her outspoken criticism of government officials and policies, even within her husband’s administration.

Late President Muhammadu Buhari celebrated Eid-el-Kabir with family on July 30th, 2020. Credit: States House

Together, they had five children. Buhari was previously married to Safinatu Yusuf, with whom he had five children before their marriage ended in 1988.

10. Buhari Remained a Major Political Influence Until His Death

Even after leaving office on May 29, 2023, Buhari remained a respected elder statesman and influential figure, particularly in Northern Nigeria and within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

His views and endorsements continued to carry weight in political circles.

Buhari passed away on July 13, 2025, in a London hospital, at the age of 82, following a prolonged illness, bringing to a close a chapter in Nigeria’s modern history.

11. Buhari Played a Key Role in Regional Diplomacy and African Leadership

Beyond Nigeria’s borders, Muhammadu Buhari was an influential voice in African affairs.

As president, he actively participated in regional peacekeeping efforts, counter-terrorism collaboration, and diplomatic engagements within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU).

Buhari was often consulted on issues concerning regional security, democracy, and economic integration in West Africa.

He led Nigeria’s response to political crises in countries like The Gambia in 2017, when he joined other regional leaders to negotiate the peaceful exit of longtime ruler Yahya Jammeh after a disputed election.

Buhari also consistently advocated for stronger cooperation among African nations in tackling security threats like terrorism, arms smuggling, and cross-border crime.

Stay tuned for more.