From Military Leader to Statesman: The Complex Legacy of Buhari in Nigeria's Political Landscape

Former Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away recently, left a complex legacy shaped by both his military rule and later democratic elections.

Muhammadu Buhari's life encapsulates a transformative era in Nigeria’s political landscape, where he played a crucial role in shaping the country’s governance over the decades. Born into a politically charged atmosphere, Buhari's military career commenced immediately after school. He gained significant authority and was appointed as a regional military commander. In a watershed moment in 1983, he led a military coup that toppled the elected President Shehu Shagari, although Buhari insisted he was merely a figurehead selected by senior military commanders.

Despite a campaign against corruption during his military regime, Buhari faced allegations of human rights violations and was dethroned after just two years. Following three years of house arrest under a subsequent junta, he stayed out of politics for nearly two decades. In 2003, he made a political comeback, running as the candidate for the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) but lost to Olusegun Obasanjo. Buhari continued to pursue the presidency with additional attempts in 2007 and 2011, garnering support for his anti-corruption stance among a younger demographic.

His perseverance finally paid off in 2015 when he was elected president, marking a historic victory as the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent. Despite his initial triumph, Buhari's presidency was marked by numerous challenges—a struggling economy and escalating security issues. A particular incident that drew public ire was his dismissive response to concerns from his wife regarding governance, suggesting she belonged in the kitchen.

Re-elected in 2019, Buhari represented one of Africa’s most populous nations on the global stage, meeting leaders like Barack Obama and Donald Trump. However, his time in office was also criticized for failing to meet various campaign promises and suppressing dissent.

In reflecting upon his life, his predecessor Jonathan acknowledged Buhari’s dedication, highlighting his character and sense of service. Today, as Nigeria grapples with the remnants of Buhari's legacy, opinions diverge about whether he was a ruler striving for order or one who faltered and left his promises unfulfilled. Regardless of perspective, Buhari's narrative is intertwined with Nigeria's turbulent historical timeline.