Nigeria's ex-president Buhari dies at 82
Nigeria's former President Muhammadu Buhari, who served from 2015 to 2023, has passed away in London at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness, as confirmed by a presidential spokesperson. Buhari, notable for being the first Nigerian president to be elected after ousting an incumbent through the ballot box, initially came to power as a military ruler following a coup in the 1980s. He garnered a loyal following due to his strong anti-corruption stance, often referring to himself as a "converted democrat."
Buhari's political journey began with his military rule, where he adopted a tough approach to governance, promising to address the country's mismanagement. His first term as a civilian leader was marked by significant challenges, including a struggling economy and rising violence from armed groups. Despite hopes that he would effectively combat insecurity, violence spread beyond the northeast, with various armed groups operating unchecked across the country.
His administration faced criticism for delays, such as taking six months to appoint a cabinet, which contributed to economic difficulties during a period of low oil prices. Buhari's second term began in 2019, despite the setbacks of his first term, including Nigeria's first recession in decades and ongoing militant attacks.
Born in 1942 in Katsina state, Buhari joined the army at 19 and rose to the rank of major-general. His initial military rule lasted only 18 months before he was ousted by another military officer. Following this, he spent decades in various political parties, ultimately achieving electoral success in 2015 by defeating then-President Goodluck Jonathan. Throughout his career, Buhari maintained a commitment to anti-corruption, emphasizing the need to address the pervasive corruption in Nigeria's political landscape. His legacy is marked by both his initial promise and the challenges that characterized his time in office.
