Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Dies at 82: Full Biography, Wives, Children, Legacy, & Political Journey

Muhammadu Buhari (1942–2025): From Soldier to Statesman

Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s former military ruler and two‑term civilian president, passed away today (July 13, 2025) in London at age 82. His journey—from military cadet and head of state to reform‑focused democratic president—has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape.

Related: HRM Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Tijani Anaje: A Biography of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland

Early Life & Military Career

Born: December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria.

Education & Training: Attended Provincial Secondary School, Katsina; Nigerian Military Training College; Mons Officer Cadet School (UK); U.S. Army War College.

Military Rise: Commissioned in 1962, rose to Major General. Served in the Biafran and Chadian–Nigerian wars and held posts including Governor of North‑Eastern State and Federal Commissioner (Petroleum & Natural Resources).

Ethnicity: Fulani

First Time in Power: Military Head of State (1983–1985)

Coup Leader: Seized power in December 1983 by overthrowing President Shehu Shagari.

“War Against Indiscipline”: Promoted civic responsibility and anti‑corruption discipline through rigid measures.

Controversial Legacy: Enforced austerity and media restrictions; acknowledged for restoring order, critiqued for human rights abuses . Ousted in August 1985 by Ibrahim Babangida.

Family: Wives and Children

Wives:

1. Safinatu Buhari (m. 1971 – div. 1988, died 2006)

Nigeria’s First Lady (1983–1985) during his military regime

2. Aisha Buhari (née Halilu) (m. 1989 – until his death)

First Lady of Nigeria (2015–2023), known for her outspoken nature and humanitarian work

Children:

Buhari had 10 children—five with each wife. Among them:

1. Zahra Buhari-Indimi – Public figure and wife of billionaire Ahmed Indimi
2. Yusuf Buhari – Known for his public profile, especially during his father’s presidency
3. Halima Buhari-Sheriff – A lawyer
4. Fatima Buhari – From his first marriage

Others have largely kept low public profiles.

Democratic Aspirant (1985–2015)

Return to Civil Life: After years of detention and sparse appearances, Buhari returned to Nigeria post-exile in 1998.

Presidential Campaigns: Unsuccessful runs under ANPP (2003, 2007) and CPC (2011). Eventually joined APC in 2013.

President of Nigeria (2015–2023)

Historic Election: Won 2015 election, marking the first democratic defeat of an incumbent president; re‑elected in 2019.

Major Achievements:

Anti-Corruption: Strengthened EFCC activity; recovered Abacha‑loot and prosecuted over 600 cases.

Economic Reforms: Introduced Treasury Single Account; ambitious infrastructure push and agricultural programs, but re-employed austerity amid two recessions and record inflation.

Security Focus: Took strong action against Boko Haram, achieving territorial gains; however, confronted rising banditry, kidnappings, and separatist unrest.

Public Debate: Praised for infrastructure upgrades and democratic precedent; criticized for selective corruption charges, economic mismanagement, violent security lapses, and press suppression.

Social Programs: Initiated N-Power, TraderMoni, and the School Feeding Program

Retirement & Death

Post‑Presidency: Stepped down peacefully on May 29, 2023, handing over to Bola Tinubu and retiring to his Katsina home .

Final Years: Spent his last days in London under medical care. Died July 13, 2025, aged 82 .

Legacy at a Glance

Strengths:

First opposition-leader-turned-president; staunch anti-corruption posture; infrastructure and security improvements.

Challenges:

Economic downturns, inflation, high youth unemployment; insecurity beyond Boko Haram; selective governance and criticism of democratic limits.

Buhari’s story remains complex—a nationalist reformer to some, an authoritarian figure to others. His impact endures in Nigeria’s institutions, political culture, and national discourse.

Conclusion

Muhammadu Buhari’s life spanned Nigeria’s military and democratic epochs. His two tenures in power were defined by firm discipline and transformation, but also by economic hardship and contested statecraft. His passing closes a pivotal chapter in Nigeria’s modern history.