1. Led Nigeria Twice: Military and Civilian
Muhammadu Buhari remains the only Nigerian to have governed both as a military ruler (1983–1985) and later as an elected president (2015–2023).
2. Soldier and Civil War Commander
Buhari joined the Nigerian Army in 1962, trained in the United Kingdom, and fought in the Nigerian Civil War, where he commanded battalions during critical operations in the eastern region.
3. Launched the War Against Indiscipline
As military head of state, Buhari introduced the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) to promote civic responsibility and restore public order.
4. Authoritarian Legacy in the 1980s
His government became known for restrictive decrees, press suppression (including Decree 4), public sector job cuts, and retroactive death sentences for drug offences.
5. Headed the Petroleum Trust Fund
In the 1990s, Buhari served as chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) under General Sani Abacha, earning a reputation for overseeing infrastructure projects transparently.
6. Four Presidential Bids, One Victory
After unsuccessful runs in 2003, 2007 and 2011, Buhari won the presidency on his fourth attempt in 2015 as candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
7. Anti-Corruption and Security Focus
During his presidency, Buhari prioritised tackling corruption and fighting Boko Haram. He also introduced social initiatives such as N-Power, but critics accused his government of economic mismanagement.
8. Health Concerns and Extended Medical Leave
Buhari’s presidency saw repeated medical trips abroad, most notably a 104-day absence in 2017, sparking debate over his fitness to govern.
9. Faced the #EndSARS Protests
In 2020, his administration confronted the nationwide #EndSARS protests, led by young Nigerians demanding an end to police brutality.
10. Peaceful Exit and Retirement
Buhari completed his second term in May 2023, handed power to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and retired to his hometown of Daura, concluding over fifty years in public life.
