Muhammadu Buhari – Former President of Nigeria
| Stage Name: | Muhammadu Buhari |
| Real Name: | Muhammadu Buhari |
| Occupation: | Politician |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | 17th December 1942 – 2025 |
| State of Origin: | Kastina State, Nigeria |
| Gender: | Male |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Marital Status: | Married |
| Education: | Defence Services Staff College |
| Known for: | Politics |
Early Life
Muhammadu Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, now in Katsina State, Nigeria. He was the 23rd child of his father, Mallam Hardo Adamu, who was a Fulani chief, and his mother, Zulaihat. His father died when Buhari was about four years old, and his mother raised him with strong Islamic values.
He first learned the Qur’an at a local Qur’anic school, and later attended primary schools in Daura and Mai’adua, finishing around 1953. From 1956 to 1961, he studied at Katsina Provincial Secondary School, where he was a class leader and house captain.
Educational Background
After secondary school, Buhari joined the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna around 1961–1962, which later became the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
He trained in England at the Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot in 1962–1963. In 1965, he studied a Mechanical Transport Officers’ Course at Borden, UK. In 1973, he attended the Defence Services Staff College in India to learn advanced military planning. Later, from 1979 to 1980, he studied at the United States Army War College in Pennsylvania, earning a master’s degree in Strategic Studies.
His education combined basic Nigerian primary and secondary schooling with high-level military studies in the UK, India, and the US.
Career
Military Career
Buhari joined the army in 1963 as a second lieutenant and served in different roles like platoon commander, brigade major, and division commander during and after the Civil War (1967–1970) . He served as Governor of North-Eastern State in 1975 and then as Governor of Borno State in early 1976. Later in 1976, he became Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources (now minister) and helped build pipelines and storage depots across Nigeria. In 1978–1979, he served as Military Secretary at Army Headquarters and was part of Nigeria’s Supreme Military Council.
In late 1983, he led a military coup that overthrew President Shehu Shagari’s government on December 31, 1983. He ruled Nigeria as Head of State until he was ousted in August 1985 by another coup led by Ibrahim Babangida.
During his military rule, he launched the “War Against Indiscipline” campaign, which aimed to improve order and moral behavior, and he cracked down hard on corruption. Critics, however, raised concerns about human rights, press censorship, and political repression.
Political Career
After being removed from power, Buhari was detained from 1985 and later lived a private life. He chaired the Petroleum Trust Fund under General Abacha’s regime (from the mid-1990s) and continued to build his public reputation.
He ran for president in 2003, 2007, and 2011, but lost each time. In 2013, he helped form the All Progressives Congress (APC) opposition party.
In 2015, he won the presidential election, defeating sitting President Goodluck Jonathan—the first time an opposition candidate unseated a president in Nigeria’s history. He was re-elected in 2019 and served until May 29, 2023, after completing two terms.
Personal Life
Buhari has been married twice:
- His first wife, Safinatu Yusuf, married him in 1971. They had five children.
- In December 1989, he married Aisha Halilu, also known as Aisha Buhari. They have five children together.
Buhari is known for a simple and humble lifestyle, despite being a powerful leader. His children include Yusuf Buhari, whose marriage made news recently, and others like Zulaihatu and Hadiza.
He practiced Islam faithfully and upheld traditional values throughout his life.
Muhammadu Buhari died in London on July 13, 2025, at age 82, while undergoing medical treatment.
Social Media Presence
Buhari joined social media in December 2014 on X (formerly Twitter) with the handle @thisisbuhari. He gained over 4.6 million followers on X and over 1.2 million followers on Facebook by 2025.
His social media was used by his team to spread messages of anti-corruption, discipline, and unity during the 2015 campaign. He also posted official announcements and statements after leaving office, and his profile still labels him as President of Nigeria (2015–2023)
Net Worth
Many reports estimate Buhari’s net worth as about USD 80 million by 2023–2025. Some earlier sources reported a much lower estimate of USD 1.2 million, but more recent and widely cited data suggests the higher figure based on assets, allowances, and pensions.
His wealth comes mostly from:
- His military career and pension
- His public service roles, such as chairing the Petroleum Trust Fund
- Modest business holdings, property, and personal investments
Despite being wealthy, he was seen by many Nigerians as not ostentatious, living quietly in his hometown of Daura after leaving office.
