The Legacy and Passing of Muhammadu Buhari

The Legacy and Passing of Muhammadu Buhari: A Nation Reflects

On July 13, 2025, Nigeria bid farewell to one of its most consequential and controversial figures, President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away at the age of 82. His funeral, held in Daura, Katsina State, was both solemn and politically symbolic, attended by dignitaries from across Africa and beyond. Yet his death did not just mark the end of a life, it reawakened decades of debate about his leadership, policies, and impact on Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.

From Soldier to Statesman

Buhari’s journey to power began with military boots. In 1983, he overthrew the democratically elected government of President Shehu Shagari, citing rampant corruption and national decline. His military regime, though short-lived (1983–1985), was marked by:

• The War Against Indiscipline (WAI), aimed at restoring civic responsibility.
• Economic austerity policies that intensified public hardship.
• Controversial decrees restricting press freedom and civil liberties.
• Attempts to kidnap exiled officials, straining international relations.

Though remembered as incorruptible and disciplined, this era was also criticized for authoritarian excesses and human rights violations.

Civilian Presidency: A Mixed Legacy

Returning to power via the ballot box in 2015, Buhari served two terms until 2023, positioning himself as a reformer and anti-corruption crusader.

Achievements

• Infrastructure Boom: Completion of flagship projects like the Second Niger Bridge and railway modernization.
• Petroleum Industry Act: Reformed Nigeria’s oil governance after two decades of delay.
• Treasury Single Account & Whistleblower Policy: Promoted fiscal transparency and recovered stolen funds.
• Social Programs: N-Power and school feeding initiatives aimed at youth empowerment.

Shortcomings

• Economic Turbulence: Two recessions, inflation, and currency decline.
• Security Breakdown: Escalation of banditry, kidnappings, and terrorism.
• Civil Liberties Suppression: Notable actions like the Twitter ban and disregard for court rulings.
• Ethnic Favoritism: Perceived bias toward Northern elites, exacerbating national divisions.

Regional Perspectives: A Fragmented Legacy

Northern Nigeria

Buhari remained a folk hero, revered for his simplicity and integrity. Farmers and rural communities praised his agricultural initiatives, although mounting insecurity in later years tempered the admiration.

Southwest Nigeria

Initially supportive due to political alliances, the region’s youth and activists became critical following economic downturns and the handling of #EndSARS protests.

South-South Nigeria

The oil-rich Niger Delta felt neglected. Despite Buhari’s past as petroleum minister, communities criticized underdevelopment and environmental indifference.

Southeast Nigeria

Arguably the most disapproving region. Despite infrastructure improvements, mistrust lingered, fueled by claims of ethnic exclusion and conspiracy theories questioning Buhari’s identity.

The Public Reacts: Mourning and Mockery

Buhari’s death prompted a flood of tributes and criticism:

• Islamic leaders praised his piety and discipline.
• Celebrities and activists offered nuanced reflections or outright condemnation.
• Youth voices recalled economic hardship and digital repression.
• Civil society emphasized democratic setbacks and human rights concerns.

Some regions mourned in prayer; others expressed relief or indifference. Social media lit up with hashtags that revealed both grief and satire, a fitting mirror to his polarizing tenure.

Unspoken Perspectives

Several groups deepened the public reflection:

• Academics lamented academic disruption due to prolonged strikes.
• Diaspora Nigerians admired Buhari’s anti-corruption image but disapproved of his frequent medical trips abroad.
• Philosophers and clerics turned his passing into lessons on leadership ethics, mortality, and power’s impermanence.

Looking Ahead

With Nigeria entering a new political chapter, Buhari's legacy remains a touchstone for future leaders. Will integrity and discipline outweigh economic failings and democratic reversals in the public memory? Only time, and the voices of Nigerians, will decide.