Muhammadu Buhari Death: 5 Powerful Truths About His Legacy
The Muhammadu Buhari death has sent shockwaves across Nigeria and the African continent, marking the end of an era defined by military discipline, anti-corruption rhetoric, and a relentless battle against insurgency. The former president, who served from 2015 to 2023, passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a deeply polarizing legacy that continues to shape Nigeria’s political discourse.
The Muhammadu Buhari death is not just a moment of mourning — it’s a catalyst for national reflection. As tributes pour in from across Africa and the world, the debate intensifies over his successes in security reform and his failures in economic management and civil liberties.
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The Man Behind the Uniform
A Soldier’s Journey to the Presidency
The Muhammadu Buhari death closes a chapter on one of Nigeria’s most enduring political figures. Born in 1935 in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari rose through the military ranks to become a Major General and, in 1983, seized power in a coup that ousted the Second Republic.
His first regime (1983–1985) was marked by austerity, anti-corruption campaigns, and strict public order — but also by human rights abuses and the infamous “War Against Indiscipline.” According to a 2025 report by the Centre for Democracy and Development (*source here*), over 500 political detainees were held during his rule, many without trial.
On our Nigerian Political History hub, we explore how military leaders have shaped the nation’s democratic journey and the challenges of transitioning from rule by force to rule by law.
The Comeback: From Prison to President
After being overthrown in 1985, Buhari remained a political figure, running for president four times before finally winning in 2015 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). His campaign centered on fighting corruption, restoring security, and reviving the economy.
The Muhammadu Buhari death now invites a re-evaluation of that promise. While he was celebrated as a democrat for stepping down in 2023, his tenure was also criticized for economic stagnation, rising inflation, and shrinking civic space.
“He came back as a civilian, but ruled like a general,” said a political analyst. “Discipline was his strength — and his weakness.”
5 Powerful Truths About His Legacy
Truth #1: The War Against Boko Haram Was Incomplete
One of the most defining aspects of the Muhammadu Buhari death conversation is his handling of the Boko Haram insurgency. When he took office in 2015, the group controlled over 20,000 square kilometers in the northeast. By 2023, that territory had been reclaimed.
However, the war was never truly won. Insurgent factions like ISWAP continued to launch deadly attacks, and over 2 million people remained displaced. The military’s heavy-handed tactics also drew international condemnation.
“We defeated them on the battlefield, but not in the hearts of the people,” said a regional security expert. “Without development, peace is fragile.”
Truth #2: Economic Policies Deepened Hardship
The Muhammadu Buhari death has reignited debate over his economic record. During his tenure, Nigeria experienced multiple recessions, inflation soared to over 33%, and the naira lost more than 60% of its value.
His administration’s strict foreign exchange controls and import restrictions were intended to boost local production, but instead led to shortages, black markets, and rising poverty. Over 60% of Nigerians now live below the poverty line, according to World Bank data.
“We were promised prosperity — we got survival,” said an economist. “The dream of industrialization died under his watch.”
Truth #3: Anti-Corruption Drive Was Selective
Buhari’s anti-corruption campaign was central to his identity. The Muhammadu Buhari death brings renewed scrutiny to agencies like the EFCC and ICPC, which prosecuted over 1,200 officials — but mostly from opposition parties.
Critics argue that allies of the president were rarely investigated, and high-profile cases like that of Diezani Alison-Madueke ended in acquittals. “Corruption was fought, but only when it suited the narrative,” said a civil society leader.
Transparency International ranked Nigeria 145th out of 180 countries in its 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index, a slight improvement — but far from transformative.
Truth #4: Civil Liberties Were Undermined
The Muhammadu Buhari death has sparked emotional reactions from human rights groups, who cite his administration’s suppression of dissent. The 2020 #EndSARS protests, where young Nigerians demanded police reform, were met with violence at Lekki Toll Gate.
Journalists, activists, and opposition figures were frequently detained. The government blocked Twitter for 276 days in 2021 after the platform removed a tweet by the president.
“He claimed to be a democrat, but ruled with an iron fist,” said a press freedom advocate. “The space for free speech shrank under his watch.”
Truth #5: He Restored a Measure of Stability
Despite the criticism, the Muhammadu Buhari death has also drawn praise for restoring a sense of order and predictability. He completed two full terms — a first for a civilian president — and peacefully handed over power in 2023.
His administration invested in infrastructure, including new rail lines and roads, and launched the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), which provided cash transfers to millions of poor households.
“He wasn’t perfect — but he wasn’t a dictator,” said a voter in Kano. “For once, we had a leader who didn’t steal everything.”
National and International Reactions
Tributes and Tribulations
The Muhammadu Buhari death has drawn tributes from across Africa and the world. Presidents from South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana praised his commitment to regional peace and anti-corruption.
However, within Nigeria, reactions are divided. Supporters hail him as a man of integrity; critics see him as a failed reformer. Social media is flooded with both #RIPBuhari and #GoodRiddance.
“He was a symbol of discipline,” said an elder in Daura. “But symbols don’t feed the hungry.”
A Legacy in the Balance
The Muhammadu Buhari death forces Nigeria to confront its past. Was he a strong leader in a weak state? A reformer who came too late? Or a military man who never fully embraced democracy?
Historians will debate his legacy for decades. But one thing is certain: his impact on Nigeria’s political culture is indelible.
“Buhari didn’t change Nigeria,” said a historian. “But he revealed it — for better and for worse.”
The Future of Nigerian Leadership
Lessons for the Next Generation
The Muhammadu Buhari death offers critical lessons for future leaders: the dangers of centralized power, the need for economic diversification, and the importance of protecting civil liberties.
As Nigeria faces rising insecurity, youth unemployment, and democratic backsliding, the next president must learn from Buhari’s successes — and his failures.
“We don’t need another general,” said a youth activist. “We need a visionary.”
A Nation at a Crossroads
The Muhammadu Buhari death comes at a pivotal moment. Nigeria stands at a crossroads — between reform and decay, hope and despair.
His legacy is not just about what he did, but what Nigeria must now become. The future belongs to those who can unite the nation, rebuild the economy, and restore trust in governance.
The story of Nigeria is still being written. Buhari was one chapter. The next is ours.
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Image 1: Muhammadu Buhari in military uniform
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Image 2: Nigerian soldiers in Borno State
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Image 3: Buhari handing over power in 2023
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Source of the article: https://www.theafricareport.com
