Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s former president who served from 2015 to 2023 and was the first to defeat an incumbent through democratic elections, died in London on Sunday at age 82 after a prolonged illness, according to a presidential spokesperson. President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima and the chief of staff to travel to London to escort Buhari’s body back to Nigeria. The former leader will be buried in his home state of Katsina in accordance with Islamic rites.
Buhari initially ruled Nigeria as a military leader following a 1983 coup before transitioning into a democratically elected president. Known for his anti-corruption stance and austere leadership, Buhari built a devoted following, especially in northern Nigeria. His 2015 victory over Goodluck Jonathan was hailed as the fairest election in Nigerian history.
However, hopes for security and economic reform dimmed as violence expanded beyond the northeast, and his administration struggled to contain armed groups and separatist movements. Dubbed “Baba Go Slow” for his sluggish decision-making, Buhari took six months to name a cabinet and resisted devaluing the naira, ignoring IMF advice.
His economic policies mirrored those of his 1980s military rule—keeping the currency overvalued and failing to curb rising inflation and recession. Despite anti-corruption promises, his campaign yielded few high-profile convictions, drawing criticism for selective enforcement and autocratic tendencies.
Notably, Buhari's tenure was marked by protests against police brutality in 2020, where unarmed demonstrators were killed, triggering nationwide unrest. Born in 1942 in Daura, Buhari once attempted to kidnap a critic in London during his military reign—a plan that failed and tarnished his international image.
Though controversial, Buhari left a legacy of infrastructure development and political transformation in Africa’s most populous nation.