Muhammadu Buhari | A Legacy of Discipline, Division, and Determination

Muhammadu Buhari: A Legacy Etched in Discipline, Division, and Determination

On July 13, 2025, Nigeria bid farewell to one of its most consequential and polarizing leaders, President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London at the age of 82. His death has triggered a wave of tributes, critiques, and soul-searching across the nation, as citizens and analysts grapple with the meaning of his legacy.

A Life of Service and Simplicity

Born in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari’s journey from a young military cadet to Nigeria’s Head of State, first as a military ruler (1983–1985) and later as a democratically elected president (2015–2023), was marked by a reputation for discipline, modesty, and incorruptibility. Even in retirement, he lived quietly in Daura, eschewing the limelight and embracing a life of simplicity.

His personal integrity earned him admiration across the North and among reform-minded Nigerians. Yet, his leadership style, often austere and distant, left many yearning for a more empathetic and inclusive figure.

Governance: Achievements and Shortfalls

Buhari’s presidency delivered tangible infrastructure gains:

• Completion of the Second Niger Bridge
• Revitalization of railway networks
• Upgrades to major airports
• Expansion of road networks, including Sukuk-funded highways

His administration also launched key reforms:

• Treasury Single Account (TSA) for financial transparency
• Whistleblower Policy to recover looted funds
• Petroleum Industry Act to attract investment

However, these accomplishments were tempered by economic turbulence:

• Two recessions
• Spiraling inflation and currency devaluation
• Rising unemployment and poverty

Critics argue that Buhari’s economic policies lacked flexibility, and his anti-corruption drive appeared selective, shielding allies while targeting opponents2.

Security and Human Rights: A Mixed Record

Buhari’s promise to defeat Boko Haram saw early gains, but insurgency evolved into banditry, kidnappings, and separatist violence. His handling of the #EndSARS protests and the Lekki toll gate incident drew widespread condemnation, with allegations of human rights abuses and authoritarian tendencies2.

His perceived ethnic favoritism, especially toward Fulani interests, deepened national divisions and fueled mistrust in regions like the South-East2.

Public Sentiment and Emotional Distance

Despite his achievements, Buhari was often seen as emotionally detached. His long medical absences abroad, limited public engagement, and sparse communication created a sense of disconnect between the presidency and the people.

Conspiracy theories, like the infamous “Jubril of Sudan” myth—though debunked, reflected the deep polarization surrounding his persona.

Global Tributes and Regional Reverence

World leaders and regional bodies like ECOWAS and the African Union praised Buhari as a Pan-Africanist and a “disciplined patriot”. His role in regional diplomacy, peacekeeping, and economic integration earned him respect beyond Nigeria’s borders.

Essential Perspectives Often Overlooked

Analysts have highlighted deeper dimensions of Buhari’s legacy:

• His dual identity as a military and democratic leader
• His resistance to foreign influence and economic prescriptions
• The paradox of infrastructure without inclusion
• His silence in retirement, leaving a vacuum in elder statesmanship
• The power of perception, where emotional memory may outweigh policy impact

A Legacy That Defies Simplification

Buhari’s legacy is neither wholly triumphant nor entirely tragic. It is a mosaic of discipline, controversy, reform, and restraint. He governed with a sense of duty, not drama; conviction, not applause. His leadership was defined by principles, but often lacked emotional resonance.

As Nigeria reflects on his passing, the nation is reminded that legacy is not a monolith. It is shaped by both accomplishments and grievances, by facts and feelings, and by the stories people choose to tell.