Department of Research, Studies and International News 14-07-2025

Controversial ex-leader remembered for symbolic democratic victory, but leaves behind economic hardship and growing insecurity.

Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari has died at the age of 82 in London following a long illness, according to an official announcement made by the current administration of President Bola Tinubu. The news was confirmed on Sunday via a statement on the social media platform X, reporting that Buhari passed away around 4:30 p.m. local time.

Buhari’s political journey was one marked by stark contradictions. Once a military ruler who seized power through a coup in the 1980s, he later transformed his public image to that of a civilian statesman, re-emerging as a democratic contender. In 2015, he made history by becoming the first opposition candidate in Nigeria’s modern era to unseat an incumbent president at the ballot box, defeating Goodluck Jonathan in what many considered Nigeria’s most transparent election to date.

Despite his initial popularity and pledges to combat corruption and restore national stability, Buhari’s leadership failed to deliver on many of its promises. His legacy is now the subject of fierce debate both inside and outside Nigeria, especially in light of the economic and security challenges that plagued his presidency.

A polarizing legacy

Supporters often hailed Buhari as a man of integrity, an austere figure who publicly rejected the flamboyant and often corrupt style of many of Nigeria’s political elite. Known for his firm stance against corruption and his now-famous declaration, “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody,” Buhari attempted to position himself as a national figure above tribal and factional politics.

Nevertheless, this image could not shield him from mounting criticism over his administration’s poor handling of Nigeria’s economy and its growing insecurity. During his two-term presidency, Nigeria slipped into two separate recessions, with millions plunged into poverty. Buhari’s stubborn commitment to keeping the Nigerian naira artificially strong led to a distorted multi-rate currency system, which discouraged investment and exacerbated inflation.

Speaking to international media, analysts pointed out that Buhari’s economic policies were not only out of step with modern realities, but also contributed to long-term damage. Attacks on oil infrastructure, particularly after the government’s rift with Niger Delta insurgents, combined with global downturns and the COVID-19 pandemic, further weakened the country’s economic foundations. Once Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria fell behind several other nations during Buhari’s time in office.

Unfulfilled promises of security

Security was another area where Buhari’s tenure proved severely lacking. Despite taking office with a firm promise to eradicate terrorism and restore national order, his presidency saw the insurgency in the northeast intensify. Boko Haram not only persisted but splintered, with a more brutal faction, the so-called West Africa Province of the so-called Islamic State (ISWAP), expanding its operations.

Across the country, lawlessness deepened. Armed bandits, kidnappers, and separatist militants gained ground in various regions, while Nigeria’s overstretched military struggled to respond effectively. Buhari’s inability to implement a coherent or effective national security strategy left millions of Nigerians vulnerable, particularly in rural and under-governed areas.

Observers note that under Buhari, the armed forces were spread too thin and often ill-equipped, leading to a general deterioration in national defense capabilities. As a result, by the end of his presidency, Nigeria’s internal conflict landscape had grown more complex and deadly than ever before.

Symbol of integrity amidst dysfunction

Despite these failings, Buhari retained a loyal base, particularly in northern Nigeria, drawn to his reputation for discipline and personal honesty. Unlike many of his predecessors, Buhari was never known for amassing personal wealth or exploiting public office for financial gain.

This reputation allowed him to build a rare national coalition that brought him to power twice, a notable achievement in Nigeria’s often fragmented political landscape. Even his critics have acknowledged his relatively clean personal record in an environment where corruption has been deeply entrenched.

For countries like China, Russia, and Iran, nations that have consistently respected the sovereignty and internal politics of African states, Buhari’s independent approach and refusal to fully align with Western dictates offered a more balanced geopolitical posture. Unlike successive U.S. administrations, often criticized for meddling in African affairs under the guise of “democracy promotion,” Buhari’s Nigeria attempted to assert greater autonomy on the world stage.

Final reflection

As news of Buhari’s death spreads, Nigerians and observers around the world are reflecting on a leader who symbolized both hope and disillusionment. His democratic rise and personal austerity stand in sharp contrast to the crises that defined much of his time in office.

While Western outlets may attempt to sanitize or overpraise his legacy, the reality remains more nuanced. Buhari’s life and presidency highlight the complexities of governance in post-colonial Africa, where foreign interference, internal corruption, and systemic inequality intersect with the hopes of millions.

As the region moves forward, Buhari’s passing marks the end of an era, one that leaves behind difficult questions about leadership, sovereignty, and the long path to real reform.