London, UK// — Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s austere former military strongman turned democratically elected president, died Sunday in London at age 82, the Nigerian presidency confirmed.
His passing marks the end of an era for Africa’s most populous nation — a man who shaped modern Nigeria with both iron rule and democratic resolve.
Buhari died after a prolonged illness, according to a statement from Aso Rock. He had spent much of the last month in private medical care in the United Kingdom.
“He was a man of profound discipline and integrity,” President Bola Tinubu said in a televised tribute seen by Accra Street Journal, calling Buhari’s death “a national loss.”
From Coup Leader to Elected Statesman
Born December 17, 1942, Buhari came to prominence after seizing power in a military coup in 1983, vowing to restore discipline and purge corruption during Nigeria’s oil-rich but troubled Second Republic. Though overthrown just two years later, his rule left a lasting mark — remembered equally for economic austerity and harsh crackdowns on civil liberties.
Decades later, Buhari staged one of Africa’s most remarkable political comebacks. In 2015, after three failed attempts, he became the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president in Nigeria’s history. He served two terms, from 2015 to 2023.
As civilian president, Buhari focused on fighting corruption and curbing the Boko Haram insurgency in northern Nigeria. His tenure was defined by contradictory legacies: fiscal restraint and growing foreign reserves, but also rising unemployment and mounting debt. While his anti-graft crusade earned global applause, critics accused his government of human rights abuses and failing to respond adequately to nationwide protests like #EndSARS.
Regional Impact and African Diplomacy
Buhari’s Nigeria remained a dominant voice in African politics. He championed regional peace efforts, intervened in Gambian and ECOWAS security disputes, and deepened economic ties with China and the West.
Despite criticisms of insularity, Buhari’s foreign policy was marked by stability and caution — seen as a counterbalance to volatile actors in West Africa’s coup-prone corridor.
In the twilight of his presidency, Buhari admitted regrets, saying in 2023, “I wish I had done more to unify the country.” Yet his influence over Nigeria’s political establishment remained formidable until his death.
Mixed Reactions Across Africa
Public reaction to Buhari’s death has been divided. While many lauded his devotion to public service, others pointed to democratic backsliding and a weak economy under his leadership.
“His story is Nigeria’s paradox — rich in vision but shackled by old systems,” said Adedayo Oluwakemi, a political science lecturer at the University of Ibadan.
Buhari is survived by his wife Aisha and several children. State funeral arrangements are underway.
