On July 13, 2025, Nigeria lost one of its most consequential and polarizing figures: former President Muhammadu Buhari. He passed away in London at the age of 82, drawing the curtain on a long and complex public life that spanned military rule, democratic governance, and decades of influence over Nigeria’s direction.
As the nation observes a week of mourning, flags fly at half-mast, and conversations echo from street corners to the chambers of power, Nigerians are reflecting on a man whose leadership was marked by both ambition and controversy.
Buhari’s Positive Impact: A President with Conviction
Buhari’s 2015 electoral victory marked a historic turning point in Nigerian democracy. He was the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president. That moment reignited hope in democratic transitions and the power of the ballot.
Here are some highlights of his more celebrated contributions:
1. Anti-Corruption Drive: Buhari built his campaign and early presidency on a strong anti-corruption platform. Agencies like the EFCC gained momentum, and high-profile recoveries of looted funds reassured Nigerians that someone was finally serious about tackling the endemic rot.
2. Infrastructure Development: From the Second Niger Bridge to road and rail projects like the Abuja-Kaduna railway and the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Buhari’s administration invested heavily in long-overdue infrastructure. These efforts helped connect regions and ease transport logistics.
3. Agriculture and Local Production: Under his administration, local rice production rose as Nigeria pushed to reduce its import dependence. Initiatives like the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme gave local farmers a needed boost.
4. Security Architecture Reform (Early Years)
While insecurity worsened over time, his early reforms brought some wins in reclaiming territories from Boko Haram. This showed a clear intent to strengthen the military and secure Nigeria.
The Controversial Side: Buhari’s Governance Shortfalls
However, for many Nigerians, Buhari’s presidency also carries the weight of unfulfilled promises and deep-seated frustrations.
A Struggling Economy: His government saw two recessions in less than five years. Inflation soared, the naira depreciated drastically, and youth unemployment hit record highs. Many blamed his monetary policies, border closures, and sluggish response to economic shifts for worsening poverty.
Authoritarian Tendencies: Despite being a democratically elected leader, Buhari often governed with a heavy hand. From the Twitter ban to crackdowns on protests like #EndSARS, critics pointed out that civil liberties were often suppressed under his watch.
Security Crisis: Despite initial military gains, Nigeria became more unsafe during Buhari’s second term. Banditry, kidnappings, and farmer-herder clashes escalated with little effective government response. The promise to make Nigeria safer was never fully realized.
Nepotism and Regional Favoritism: Buhari’s appointments and inner circle drew criticism for being heavily skewed toward Northern Nigeria. This fueled feelings of marginalization and stoked ethnic tensions across the country.
A Complex Legacy: How Buhari Can Be Respected After Death
No leader is perfect, and Buhari’s life offers a textbook case of contradictions. While some will remember him as a disciplined reformist, others will recall the dashed hopes and pain of missed opportunities.
Yet, respect after death does not require ignoring the truth. It comes from honestly acknowledging both failures and achievements.
Nigerians can choose to:
- Celebrate the symbolic power of his 2015 victory that renewed faith in democracy
- Learn from his mistakes, especially the economic missteps and human rights issues, to guide future leaders
- Preserve the positive gains in infrastructure and anti-corruption reforms while ensuring that those gains are institutionalized, not personalized
As the country mourns Muhammadu Buhari, we are also reminded that legacies are not shaped solely by life. They are defined by the stories we tell and the lessons we take forward.
For better or worse, Buhari reshaped Nigeria’s political narrative. It is now left to Nigerians — historians, citizens, and leaders — to ensure that in remembering him, we move toward a more just, inclusive, and prosperous nation.
May his soul rest in peace. May Nigeria continue to grow through reflection, reform, and resilience.
