Nigeria has lost a significant political figure with the passing of Muhammadu Buhari, who died at the age of 82 in a London clinic. Buhari, a former military ruler and a controversial president, had undertaken a routine medical check-up in the UK earlier in April before his health took a turn for the worse. Ascending to power after three unsuccessful bids, Buhari became the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president in Nigeria’s history during the 2015 elections, a monumental victory underscored by a united opposition.
His presidency has been marked by his pledge to combat corruption and improve security, particularly against the backdrop of Boko Haram's insurgency, which remains a pressing threat. Although he garnered support from the impoverished northern regions during his campaigns, his tenure saw an economic crisis exacerbated by falling oil prices and grievances over the handling of security matters, including the tumultuous farmer-herder clashes in central Nigeria.
Buhari’s approach to governance was often criticized for being distant and austere, leading to questions about his political effectiveness. Economically, his policies attracted scrutiny, notably after a rice import ban sparked rising prices and widespread hunger, disillusioning many supporters. Despite his efforts to position himself as a beacon of integrity amid Nigeria's pervasive corruption, the complexities of his governance and the suffering caused by economic policies led to mixed reflections on his legacy.
Born in December 1942 in Katsina, Nigeria, Buhari's early life was shaped by the death of his father and his education at military institutions, which honed his disciplined personality. His first foray into politics began following his military rule, which was characterized by a notorious crackdown on corruption but mired in human rights abuses. Despite a controversial political background, he reinvented himself as a democratic figurehead, though allegations of oppression and governance struggles persisted.
Buhari married twice, with his second wife Aisha surviving him. Their union produced two children among his ten in total. His health had been declining over the years, prompting significant periods of absence from office, leading to public concerns over the capability of national leadership during his tenure.
In summary, Buhari's passing marks the end of an era for Nigeria—a leader who infused the delicate interplay of military history and democratic evolution into the fabric of Nigerian politics yet leaves behind a legacy defined by challenges, controversies, and complex reforms.
