By Abdullahi Inuwa
The vast and turbulent political landscape of Nigeria, few names echo with as much reverence and moral weight as that of Muhammadu Buhari. Described by admirers as a man of proven integrity and by critics as stern and uncompromising, Buhari’s public life spanned over five decades — marked by sacrifice, patriotism, and a reputation that stood the test of time.
Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Muhammadu Buhari rose from humble beginnings to become a military general, Head of State, and eventually a two-term democratically elected President of Nigeria. His life story is not only a chronicle of service but also a symbol of incorruptibility in a nation often bruised by the abuse of public trust.
Buhari’s journey into public service began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Military Training College (NMTC) in 1962. He was later trained at Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England, and other institutions in India and the United States. As a young officer, Buhari quickly developed a reputation for discipline and loyalty to duty. He participated actively in various military operations, including the Nigerian Civil War, and rose through the ranks due to his competence and hard work.
He held several key military and administrative roles, including Governor of the then North-Eastern State in 1975, Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources in 1976, and Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). In these positions, Buhari was known for his strict adherence to due process and transparency. He left office without any scandal or financial controversy, setting the tone for the kind of leadership he would later offer as Nigeria’s Head of State and President.
Following the military coup of December 31, 1983, Buhari emerged as Nigeria’s military Head of State. At the time, Nigeria was sinking under the weight of corruption, economic mismanagement, and political instability. Buhari’s administration, though short-lived, launched the famous War Against Indiscipline (WAI)—a nationwide campaign that sought to restore order, ethics, and responsibility in public life.
The WAI program became iconic, reflecting Buhari’s belief that a nation’s greatness is built on values—punctuality, honesty, and accountability. He tackled corruption head-on, introduced currency change policies to fight illicit wealth, and prosecuted public officials found guilty of embezzlement, regardless of their status. Although his methods were considered high-handed by some, many Nigerians remember that era as one of rare governmental sincerity.
In 1985, his government was overthrown in a palace coup, but the legacy of integrity he left behind as a military ruler remained intact. Buhari returned to private life, his record untainted, and his image as a no-nonsense anti-corruption figure grew stronger with time.
After years of political marginalization, Buhari reemerged on the political scene in 2003 under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and contested for the presidency three times (2003, 2007, and 2011), losing each time. Despite the defeats, he remained undeterred, refusing to compromise his values or resort to post-election violence.
In 2015, after forming a coalition under the newly created All Progressives Congress (APC), Buhari made history by becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president in Nigeria. His victory was seen not just as a political triumph, but as a national endorsement of his integrity and patriotism.
From the onset of his presidency in 2015, Buhari made it clear that his top priority was fighting corruption, revamping national security, and rebuilding critical infrastructure. His administration strengthened anti-graft institutions like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), leading to several high-profile arrests and recoveries of stolen funds.
The Treasury Single Account (TSA), implemented under his watch, helped consolidate government revenue and eliminated countless ghost accounts. The Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) also saved Nigeria billions by exposing ghost workers in federal agencies. These policies weren’t just administrative—they were foundational shifts in how public funds were managed in the country.
What stood out most, however, was Buhari’s personal lifestyle. Unlike many of his peers, he refused to live lavishly or exploit the privileges of office. He cut down on presidential convoys, reduced the size of government delegations, and discouraged unnecessary foreign trips. Even after his re-election in 2019, he maintained a spartan lifestyle, drawing admiration from ordinary Nigerians who saw in him a leader that lived by example.
Buhari’s presidency was also defined by a renewed emphasis on security. He inherited a country where Boko Haram controlled parts of the North East. Under his leadership, the Nigerian Armed Forces reclaimed vast territories, weakened the insurgents’ hold, and rescued thousands of captives. Although security challenges evolved over time, especially with the rise of banditry and kidnappings, his government invested heavily in equipping the military and police forces.
In infrastructure, Buhari oversaw the completion of the Second Niger Bridge, expanded major highways like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and revamped the railway system. These projects, though sometimes delayed, represented some of the most significant infrastructure efforts in Nigeria since independence.
His agricultural policies, particularly the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, encouraged local food production, reduced dependence on rice imports, and empowered millions of smallholder farmers across the country.
When Muhammadu Buhari left office on May 29, 2023, he did so with his head high. He returned to Daura and quietly retired from political life. Unlike many past leaders, Buhari never meddled in the affairs of his successor and never sought relevance through political scheming or media manipulation. His decision to live modestly, even after eight years in power, reinforced the image of a man who came to serve, not to enrich himself.
When news of his death broke in July 2025, Nigeria paused. From the corridors of power in Abuja to the dusty streets of Daura, from international organizations to former political rivals—tributes flowed in, each one echoing a common theme: Muhammadu Buhari was a man of integrity.
Conclusion: A Symbol of Discipline and Hope
In a nation where trust in leadership often fluctuates, Buhari’s legacy stands firm like a monument of virtue. While his presidency was not without criticism or controversy, few dispute the moral strength he brought into public office. His honesty, consistency, and disdain for corruption serve as a moral compass for future leaders.
The story of Muhammadu Buhari is not merely that of a former president or a retired general; it is the story of a man who refused to betray his values, even when doing so could have brought him comfort and riches. It is the story of a man who taught a generation that integrity is not weakness, and that honesty in leadership is not a myth.
As Nigeria continues its journey toward greatness, the life and legacy of Muhammadu Buhari will remain a guiding light — a reminder that in a time of compromise, there once lived a man who stood firm.
May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
Abdullahi Inuwa Social Commentator ainuwa303@gmail.comÂ
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