general muhammadu buhari biography

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Muhammadu buhari (1942- ).

The current President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina, Nigeria. His parents were Mallam Hardo Adamu and wife, Zulaihat. He was the 23rd child of his father. At the age of 19, Buhari enrolled in the Nigeria Military Training College at Kaduna, Kaduna state. From 1962 to 1963 he attended officer cadet training at Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England. In 1965, he then took the Mechanical Transport Officers’ Course at the Army Mechanical Transport School in Borden, England before going on to the Defence Services Staff College, in Wellington, India in 1973 and finally to the United States Army War College in Washington, D.C. from 1979 to 1980.

In 1975 Buhari was involved in the military coup that ousted Yakubu Gowon and brought General Murtala Mohammed to power. He was appointed the military governor of the North-Eastern State (Bornu) by Murtala in 1975. In March 1976, Buhari was appointed head of the Federal Commission for Petroleum and Natural Resources. When the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was created in 1976, Buhari was also appointed as its chairman, a position he held until 1978.

On December 31, 1983, a military coup ousted President Shehu Shagari and Buhari was chosen as Head of State by the coup leaders. As President, Buhari, introduced austerity measures to restore confidence in the economy. He was tough on rampant corruption in the country, initiating a “War on Indiscipline” in the government and private sector. This national campaign advocated a strong work ethic, emphasized patriotism, and denounced corruption. Civil servants who were late for work, for example, were publicly humiliated.

On August 27, 1985, Major General Ibrahim Babangida took power in a coup. Buhari was detained in Benin City and released in 1988. Eventually restored to power by coup leaders, between 1995 and 1998, Buhari served as the Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund.

In 2003, 2007 and 2011 Buhari ran unsuccessfully for President of Nigeria. On March 28, 2015, however, he defeated the incumbent President, Goodluck Jonathan, and was inaugurated into the nation’s highest political office on May 29, 2015. On February 23, 2019, he won re-election.

As president of Nigeria, Buhari has had to face major issues during his terms of office including the Boko Haram insurgency in the north, kidnappings for ransom and rebels in the Niger Delta region, and ongoing economic recession. In addition, Buhari, who was 66 when reelected in 2019, has had major health issues which resulted in him seeking treatment overseas and, consequently, long absences from Nigeria.

Buhari married Safinatu Yusuf in 1971. They have four girls and a boy: Zulaihat, Fatima, Hadiza, Safinatu, and Musa. They divorced in 1988. He married Aisha Halilu in 1989 and they have four girls and a boy: Aisha, Halima, Zahra, Amina, and Yusuf.

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“Muhammadu Buhari,” https://prabook.com/web/muhammadu.buhari/1299734 ; “Muhammadu Buhari,” https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/nigeria/muhammadu-buhari.htm ; “Muhammadu Buhari,” https://www.britannica.com/biography/Muhammadu-Buhari .

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President Muhammadu Buhari

President of the federal republic of nigeria, personal life.

President Buhari was born on 17 th December, 1942 in Daura, Katsina State to Adamu and Zulaiha Buhari. President Buhari was raised by his mother, following the death of his father when he was about four years old. He had his primary school education in Daura and Maidua from 1948 to 1952, before proceeding to Katsina Middle School in 1953. Subsequently, he attended the Katsina Provincial Secondary School (now Government College, Katsina) from 1956–1961, where he earned his West African School Certificate. President Buhari was married to Safinatu Yusuf from 1971 to 1988, and since 1989 to Aisha Halilu. He is blessed with ten children.

The inauguration of General Muhammadu Buhari as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 29, 2015 was historic as it marked the first time in the country’s history that a victorious opposition candidate was taking over from an incumbent President.

Military career.

He joined the Nigerian Army in 1961 when he was admitted to the Nigerian Military Training College, Kaduna. He underwent the Officer Cadets training at Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England from 1962 to 1963, and was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in January, 1963. He attended the Nigerian Military College, Kaduna for the Platoon Commanders’ Course from 1963-1964. He was then appointed Platoon Commander of the Second Infantry Battalion in Abeokuta. In 1965, he attended the Mechanical Transport Officers’ Course at the Army Mechanical Transport School in Borden, England. Further military trainings included the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, India in 1973, and the United States Army War College, from June 1979 to June 1980.

As a highly regarded officer, President Buhari held several key command and staff, as well as political appointments during his illustrious military career. These included Military Secretary; Member, Supreme Military Council; Military Governor of the North Eastern State; Federal Commissioner of Petroleum Resources; Chairman, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation; General Officer Commanding, 4 th Infantry Division and General Officer Commanding, 3 rd Armoured Division.

The military coup of December, 1983 led to the emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, a position in which he served until August 1985.

General Buhari was appointed Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) by the Abacha administration in 1994. The main consideration in appointing him to this position was his strict discipline and incorruptibility. The PTF under General Buhari intervened directly in six major areas: Construction/maintenance of roads; water supply; supply of educational materials and rehabilitation of educational infrastructure; health; food supply; and other projects. The impact of this interventionist agency was felt across the entire nation in its four and a half years of existence.

Buhari in Politics

Driven by a profound sense of patriotism and commitment to national service, General Buhari entered politics in 2003, following Nigeria’s return to a democratic dispensation in 1999. He joined the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and contested the presidential election on its platform that year. He lost to the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Olusegun Obasanjo. Undaunted by defeat, Buhari continued his political struggle, and on December 18th, 2006, he emerged as the consensus presidential candidate of the All Nigeria People’s Party for the 2007 elections. His main challenger in the April 2007 presidential polls was the ruling PDP candidate, Umaru Yar’Adua. In the election, Buhari officially scored 18 percent of the total votes cast, against 70 percent for Yar’Adua. Buhari rejected the results and in a post-election statement, Yar’Adua affirmed that the polls were indeed less than free, fair and credible. After Yar’Adua assumed office, the ANPP agreed to join his purported government of national unity, but Buhari denounced the agreement.

In March 2010, Buhari left the ANPP and formed, with some of his supporters, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). General Buhari was nominated as the CPC presidential candidate on April 16th, 2011 for that year’s general election. He ran against the then incumbent, President Goodluck Jonathan of the ruling PDP, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and Ibrahim Shekarau of the ANPP, and other candidates of smaller parties. Using the platform of the CPC, a newly formed party without much finance and essential party structures in the states, Buhari was able to garner 12, 214, 853 votes, coming second to Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP, who polled 22, 495, 197 votes.

The 2015 Presidential Election

The 2015 General Elections were quite unique and interesting in redefining the character of the Nigerian political system. The previously inchoate opposition to the dominant ruling PDP was able to form, consolidate and mature. The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP), The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), a breakaway faction of the ruling PDP known as the “new PDP”, and several disenchanted members of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) merged in 2013 to form the All Progressive Congress (APC).

It was this new party, the APC, much stronger in terms of resources and support base as well as having a pan-Nigerian appeal, that provided the platform upon which General Buhari contested the 2015 presidential election.

The perception of most Nigerians about the character of General Buhari greatly influenced the outcome of the 2015 elections. Over the years, General Buhari had cut the image of an incorruptible leader and had spurned several past opportunities to enrich himself. His campaign slogan of “Change” was widely embraced by Nigerians who longed for a new direction after 16 years of PDP rule at the national level.

General Buhari therefore won a popular victory in the presidential elections of March 28, 2015 and was sworn into Office as President, Commander-In Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 29, 2015.

Honours held by President Buhari include:

Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR)

Commander of the federal republic (cfr), defence service medal (dsm), national service medal (nsm), general service medal (gsm), loyal service and good conduct (lsgcm), forces service staff (fss), the congo medal, global seal of integrity (gsoi), president muhammadu buhari on twitter.

MILITARY CAREER General Buhari joined the Nigerian Army in 1961 when he was admitted to the Nigerian Military Training College, Kaduna. He underwent the Officer Cadets training at Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England from 1962 to 1963, and was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in January, 1963.　He attended the Nigerian Military College, Kaduna for the Platoon Commanders’ Course from 1963-1964.　He was then appointed Platoon Commander of the Second Infantry Battalion in Abeokuta. In 1965, he attended the Mechanical Transport Officers’ Course at the Army Mechanical Transport School in Borden, England. Further military trainings included the Defence Services Staff College,　Wellington, India in 1973, and the United States Army War College, from June 1979 to June 1980.

As a highly regarded officer, President Buhari held several key command and staff, as well as political appointments during his illustrious military career. These included Military Secretary; Member, Supreme Military Council; Military Governor of the North Eastern State; Federal Commissioner of Petroleum Resources; Chairman, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation; General Officer Commanding, 4th　Infantry　Division and General Officer Commanding, 3rd　Armoured Division.

The military coup of December, 1983 led to the emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The major economic and social thrust of his administration centred on reducing　expenses of government; promoting industrialization; reducing the balance of payments　deficit by cutting imports; prohibition of borrowing by state governments; realignment of import duties; waging a war against corruption; and instilling a culture of discipline by introducing the popular War Against Indiscipline (WAI).The War Against Indiscipline was one of the most　enduring legacies of the Buhari administration. Launched　on March 20th, 1984, the policy tried to address the pervasive lack of public morality and civic responsibility in the Nigerian society.　

General Buhari was appointed Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF)　 by the Abacha　administration in　1994.　The main consideration in appointing him to this position was his strict　discipline and incorruptibility. 　The　PTF under General Buhari intervened directly in six major areas: Construction/maintenance of　roads; water supply; supply of educational materials and rehabilitation of educational infrastructure; health; food supply; and other projects. The impact of this　interventionist agency was felt across the entire nation in its four and a half years of existence. 　 BUHARI IN POLITICS Driven by a profound sense of patriotism and commitment to national service, General Buhari entered politics in 2003, following Nigeria's return to a democratic dispensation in 1999. He joined the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and contested the presidential election on its platform that year. He lost to the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)　Olusegun　Obasanjo. Undaunted by defeat, Buhari continued his political　struggle, and on December 18th, 2006, he emerged as the consensus presidential candidate of the All Nigeria People’s Party for the 2007 elections. His main challenger in the April 2007 presidential polls was the ruling PDP candidate,　Umaru Yar’Adua. In the election, Buhari officially scored　18　percent　of the total votes cast against 70　percent　for　Yar’Adua. Buhari rejected the results　and　in a post election statement, Yar’Adua　 affirmed that the polls were indeed less than free, fair and credible. After　Yar’Adua　assumed office, the ANPP agreed to join his purported government of national unity, but Buhari denounced the agreement.

In March 2010, Buhari left the ANPP and formed, with some of his supporters, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).　 General Buhari was nominated as the CPC presidential　candidate on April 16th, 2011 for that year’s general election. He ran against the　then　incumbent, President　Goodluck　Jonathan of the ruling PDP,　Mallam　Nuhu　Ribadu　of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and Ibrahim　Shekarau　of the ANPP, and other candidates of smaller parties.　 Using the platform of the CPC, a newly formed party without much finance and essential party structures in the states,　Buhari was able to garner 12, 214, 853 votes, coming second　to　Goodluck　Jonathan of the PDP, who polled 22, 495, 197 votes.

Honours held by President Buhari include: •　Grand Commander of the Federal Republic　(GCFR) •　Commander of the Federal Republic 　　(CFR) •　Defence Service Medal 　　(DSM) •　National Service Medal 　　(NSM) •　General　Service Medal 　　(GSM) •　Loyal Service and Good Conduct　　　(LSGCM)　　 •　Forces Service Staff 　　(FSS) •　The Congo Medal •　Global Seal of Integrity (GSOI)

Profile: Muhammadu Buhari

Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s former military ruler, is seen as the main challenger to Goodluck Jonathan.

Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s former military ruler, is a Muslim from the country’s north and seen as the main challenger to Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian from the south.

The former leader, who ruled from December 1983 to August 1985, also has a reputation as a fierce anti-corruption figure, after he jailed hundreds of politicians, officials and businessmen during his reign.

Born in December 1942, he is the country’s oldest presidential candidate. After joining the military Buhari entered politics in 1976 as a minister under Olusegun Obasanjo, the former military ruler. He was picked to lead the country by military officers after an almost bloodless coup in 1983.

His rule was characterised by strict austerity measures, the jailing of politicians on corruption charges and the execution of drug traffickers and armed robbers. Some have criticised this period for human rights abuses and heavy-handedness, but others say it helped fight corruption in Nigeria.

However, in August 1985, Buhari was overthrown in another coup led by general Ibrahim Babangida, and jailed for 40 months.

Since then he has remained active in politics, unsuccessfully running for president in the 2003 and 2007 elections.

He has been viewed with suspicion by Christians in the south after allegations that he had a radical Islamist agenda.

But this year he may benefit from regional divisions, with many Muslims angered by the campaign of Jonathan, which breaks a pact within the ruling party that says the presidency must rotate candidates between the north and the south.

Buhari’s reputation as a disciplinarian and a popular perception that he is cleaner than many in the political elite also make him the main opposition candidate to Jonathan.

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The Two-Way

International, muhammadu buhari becomes nigeria's president.

Eyder Peralta

Former General and Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, arrives for his Inauguration at the eagle square in Abuja, Nigeria, on Friday. Sunday Alamba/AP hide caption

Former General and Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, arrives for his Inauguration at the eagle square in Abuja, Nigeria, on Friday.

For the first time since Nigeria won its independence in 1960, the country has inaugurated an opposition figure as its next president.

Muhammadu Buhari, a retired general who ruled the country back in the '80s after a military coup, was sworn in as president of Nigeria on Friday.

The BBC reports :

"He has taken over from Goodluck Jonathan, who urged his successor to unite the country in the face of the threat from Boko Haram militants. Mr Buhari, a former military ruler, says he is a convert to democracy. "He defeated Mr Jonathan - who had been in office since 2010 - by 15.4 million votes to 12.9 million. "The BBC's Will Ross in the capital, Abuja, says heads of state and senior government officials have come from across the world to witness this truly historic moment for Nigeria. In a country with a [checkered] history when it comes to power changing hands, this is a chance to celebrate deepening democracy, he says."

Reuters reports that during his inaugural address, Buhari said that Nigeria "needs careful management to overcome the impact of low oil prices, slowing growth, high unemployment and the security threat from Islamist group Boko Haram."

CNN reports that Buhari's military experience may have played a role in his election. The network explains:

"Before the election, African affairs analyst Ayo Johnson said Buhari's military background may be what voters need to feel safe from the deadly Boko Haram militant group. "'Many Nigerians will not forget he was a military leader, during a dictatorship,' Johnson said. 'Or maybe they will feel that they need a military leader to address fundamental problems such as terrorism.' "This year alone, the extremists have killed at least 1,000 civilians mostly in the nation's northeast, where they operated freely, Human Rights Watch says. "

Secretary of State John Kerry represented the United States at Buhari's inauguration. He tweeted : "Congratulations to @MBuhari & the Nigerian people. A privilege to be here to celebrate #Nigeria 's historic & peaceful democratic transition."

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BUHARI, Muhammadu GCFR

[email protected]

Daura, Katsina State,

President, Federal Republic of Nigeria (2015-2019); (2019-till date)

He joined the Nigerian Army in 1961 when he was admitted to the Nigerian Military Training College, Kaduna. He underwent the Officer Cadets training at Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England from 1962 to 1963, and was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in January, 1963. He attended the Nigerian Military College, Kaduna for the Platoon Commanders’ Course from 1963-1964. He was then appointed Platoon Commander of the Second Infantry Battalion in Abeokuta. In 1965, he attended the Mechanical Transport Officers’ Course at the Army Mechanical Transport School in Borden, England. Further military trainings included the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, India in 1973, and the United States Army War College, from June 1979 to June 1980.

As a highly regarded officer, President Buhari held several key command and staff, as well as political appointments during his illustrious military career. These included Military Secretary; Member, Supreme Military Council; Military Governor of the North Eastern State; Federal Commissioner of Petroleum Resources; Chairman, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation; General Officer Commanding, 4thInfantry Division and General Officer Commanding, 3rdArmoured Division.

The military coup of December, 1983 led to the emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, a position in which he served until August 1985.

Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) Defence Service Medal (DSM) National Service Medal (NSM) General Service Medal (GSM) Loyal Service and Good Conduct (LSGCM) Forces Service Staff (FSS) The Congo Medal Global Seal of Integrity (GSOI)

People have been voting to choose their leader but their votes were never allowed to COUNT, I will not allow the choice of the people to be subverted by any party, not even APC

I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody.

I will continue to show openly and inside me the total commitment to the Sharia movement that is sweeping all over Nigeria God willing, we will not stop the agitation for the total implementation of the Sharia in the country.

A few people have privately voiced fears that on coming back to office I shall go after them. These fears are groundless. There will be no paying off old scores. The past is prologue.

The 2015 General Elections were quite unique and interesting in redefining the character of the Nigerian political system. The previously inchoate opposition to the dominant ruling PDP was able to form, consolidate and mature. The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP), The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), a breakaway faction of the ruling PDP known as the “new PDP”, and several disenchanted members of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) merged in 2013 to form the All Progressive Congress (APC).

It was this new party, the APC, much stronger in terms of resources and support base as well as having a pan-Nigerian appeal, that provided the platform upon which General Buhari contested the 2015 presidential election.

The perception of most Nigerians about the character of General Buhari greatly influenced the outcome of the 2015 elections. Over the years, General Buhari had cut the image of an incorruptible leader and had spurned several past opportunities to enrich himself. His campaign slogan of “Change” was widely embraced by Nigerians who longed for a new direction after 16 years of PDP rule at the national level.

General Buhari therefore won a popular victory in the presidential elections of March 28, 2015 and was sworn into Office as President, Commander-In Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 29, 2015.

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President Muhammadu Buhari biography: age, education, children, wife

Muhammadu Buhari is a popular Nigerian political leader. He served as Nigeria's head of state between 1983 and 1985. In 2015, Buhari was democratically elected to hold the Nigerian president office and re-elected in 2019.

Before his election to the presidential position, he held top positions in his county's military. At one point, he served as the military head of state.

Profile summary

• Full name : Muhammadu Buhari
• Date of birth: 17th December 1942
• Place of birth: Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria
• Buhari age: 78 years (as of 2021)
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Ethnicity: Black
• Marital status: Married
• Spouse: Safinatu Yusuf (1971-1988), Aisha Halilu (1989-present)
• Net worth: $110 million

Muhammadu Buhari biography

He was born on 17th December 1942 in Daura, Katsina State in Nigeria. How old is Buhari? He is 78 years old as of 2021. His parents were Fulani chieftain Mallam Hardo Adamu and Zulaihat.

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Buhari is the 23rd child of his father. His father passed away when he was four years old, and thus he was raised by his mother.

Muhammadu Buhari education

He began his studies in Mai'adua and Daura primary schools before he joined Katsina Middle School in 1953. Later, he went to Katsina Provincial Secondary School.

He joined the Nigerian Military Training College (NMTC) in 1962. Between 1962 and 1963, he took his cadet training at the Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot in England.

Military career

In 1975, President Muhammadu Buhari was part of the military coup that ousted Yakubu Gowon . As a result, he was appointed to take up the position of the military governor of Borno, formerly known as North-Eastern State. The same year, General Olusegun Obasanjo nominated him as the federal commissioner for petroleum resources.

In 1977, Buhari became the military secretary at Supreme Military Headquarters. By September 1977, he was performing regular duties in the military. He was also the division commander in Kaduna .

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Upon the election of Shehu Shagari, the country suffered dismal economic status, and this was perceived as corrupt politics by everyone, including the military. This led to another military coup which took place on 31st December 1983. He was unanimously chosen as the new head of state.

When he entered office, the previous government had already plagued numerous systems in the country. He was forced to take a tough stance on corrupt individuals. He launched a program known as War Against Corruption in a bid to enact positive reforms.

Even though Nigerian citizens initially welcomed his efforts, the repressive measures caused huge discontent.

Political career

Buhari's political journey began in 2003 when he ran for the presidential seat but lost it to Olusegun Obasanjo of People's Democratic Party ( PDP ). He ran again for the same position in 2007 but was defeated by Umaru Yar'Adua from PDP. In 2011, he tried again but lost to Goodluck Jonathan.

Former presidential candidate joins APC ahead of 2023 elections

In 2014, Buhari was nominated as the presidential candidate by the All Progressive Congress party (APC) for the 2015 election. He emerged the winner among 14th contestants with 2.5 million votes more than his closest competitor, Jonathan from PDP.

He was inaugurated on 29th May 2015. He was re-elected as the president during the 2019 general elections held on 23rd February with 56% of the total votes.

Over the years, the president has not only held numerous positions, but he has also received multiple awards and nominations. Some of them include:

• Defence Service Medal (DSM)
• Congo Medal (CM)
• General Service Medal (GSM)
• Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (GCFR)
• Global Seal of Integrity (GSO)

President Buhari wife and children

Buhari was first married to Safinatu Yusuf in 1971. Together they had five children, namely Zulaihat (deceased), Fatima, Musa (deceased), Hadiza and Safinatu. Buhari marriage to Safinatu ended in 1988. On 14th January 2006, the former first lady succumbed to diabetes.

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After the divorce, the president married for the second time in December 1989. Buhari new wife is known as Aisha Buhari, and the duo has five kids. Muhammadu Buhari children from his 2nd union are Aisha, Halima, Yusuf, Zahra and Amina.

President Buhari net worth

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is considered to be one of the wealthiest individuals in the country. As of 2021, his net worth is estimated to be roughly $110 million.

President Muhammadu Buhari is one of the most influential people in Nigeria. Nigerians have felt his leadership impact since his service in the military to his current position as the president.

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President Muhammadu Buhari Biography: What Is His Age and How Educated Is He

Muhammadu Buhari is a 81-year-old Nigerian former military general and politician who served as the president of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023. He was the first to win from an opposition party, APC, since the return of democracy in 1999.

In 2019, he won the presidential seat for the second time to rule for another four years. Before democracy, however, he served in the Nigerian Army and was the military head of state from 1983 when he was 41 years old to 1985.

Muhammadu Buhari’s Profile Summary

• Full name: Muhammadu Buhari
• Nickname:  PMB
• Gender: Male
• Date of birth: 17 December 1942
• Muhammadu Buhari’s Age: 81 years old
• Ethnicity: Fulani, Katsina
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
• Sexual Orientation: Straight
• Religion: Islam
• Marital Status: Married
• Buhari’s Wife: Safinatu Yusuf (m. 1971, divorced in 1988 and died 2006) Aisha Buhari (nee Halilu; m. December 1989)
• His Children: 2 males (1 deceased), 8 females (1 deceased)
• PMB’s Parents: Mallam Hardo Adamu (father), Zulaihat Buhari
• Siblings: 23 siblings (Hajiya Rakiya Adamu is his sister and only surviving sibling)
• Famous for: Nigeria’s military head of state (1983-1985), Nigeria’s President (2015-present)
• Buhari’s Instagram: @muhammadubuhari
• Twitter: @mbuhari
• Facebook: Muhammadu Buhari

Muhammadu Buhari is  81 Years Old and  Hails From Katsina, North East, Nigeria

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PMB was born on 17 December 1942 in Katsina State in the North East region of Nigeria as the 23rd and last child of his father, Malam Hardo Adamu, a cattle herder and Fulani chieftain. At the age of 4, the politician lost his father and was raised by his Hausa and Kanuri descent mother, Zulaihat Buhari.

Buhari had his earliest education in Daura, Katsina, and later Mai’adua in the same State. He later moved to Katsina Provincial Secondary School from 1956 to 1961. At the age of 18, he applied to be accepted into the Royal Nigerian Army, and by the time he was 19, he had been accepted and commenced his journey into the military. The first point of his military enrollment was to the Nigerian Military Training College (NMTC), now known as the Nigerian Defense Academy, Kaduna .

Buhari Gained His First Ranking in The Military At The Age of 20 and Became Head of State at 41

At 20, he was commissioned to the rank of a 2nd lieutenant and became a Brigade major in 1965 at 22. He served the second infantry as commander until 1967. In 1975 at the age of 32, Buhari served at the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport Headquarters as acting director of transport and supply. In that same year, he was Governor of Borno until he was 33.

From then until he was 35 in 1978, he became the first chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. Later from the age of 36 to 37, Buhari was a military secretary at the army headquarters, became a member of the Supreme Military Council, attained the rank of Colonel, and obtained a master’s degree. His quest for growth continued, and by the time he was 41 in 1983, he became the Head of state of Nigeria, a position he held until 1985 when he was overthrown in a coup d’état by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

He Started Contesting For Presidency in 2003 at The Age of 61 and Finally Won in 2015

Buhari began his drive into politics to be president in 2003 at the age of 61 under the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) but lost to the former President Umaru Yar’Adua of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). In 2011, he contested again to be president under the Congress Progressive Change (CPC) but lost to former President Goodluck Jonathan .

Summary of Public Positions Buhari Has Held Since the 1980s

Here are all the public positions Muhammadu Buhari has held to date

• He was a 2nd lieutenant and appointed Platoon Commander of the 2nd infantry Battalion Abeokuta, Nigeria (Jan 1963)
• Buhari was a commander of the 2nd infantry Battalion, appointed Brigade major, second sector (1965-1967)
• 1st infantry Division (April 1967 to July 1967)
• Brigade major/commandant 31st Infantry Brigade (1970 to 1971)
• Assistant Adjutant-Gen 1st Infantry Division Headquarters (1971 to 1972)
• North-Eastern (Borno State) Military Governor (1975)
• Federal Commissioner for Petroleum Resources (1976 to 1978)
• Military Secretary at Supreme Military Headquarters (1977)
• Pioneer Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (1977 to 1978)
• General Officer Commanding, in the Nigerian Army (1981 to 1983)
• Military Head of State (1983 to 1985)
• Pioneer Chairman Katsina Foundation (1988 )
• Chairman Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF, 1988)
• President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2015)
• Re-elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2019)

Controversies Surrounding Muhammadu Buhari

Right from the time Buhari was a military head of state in Nigeria to when he aspired to head the country as a democratic ruler, there have been many controversies about the 81-year-old Nigerian President. Here is all to know.

He Has Been Called a Dictator Numerous Times

As a military head of state, Muhammadu Buhari was accused of tampering with human rights through attacks on citizens, unlawful detention of people, sending attacks on courts and the press, among other accusations. The name of a dictator followed him when he started his aspiration to become president. Several people called him unfit on many occasions due to the dictatorship’s history. Although he attested that even some British publications labeled him a dictator, he promised to change the notion when allowed to rule through democracy.

In 2015, his journey as a president in Nigeria started but soon began to raise questions as to whether the said dictatorship in him had been thrown or was dragged to democracy after his administration reportedly flaunted several court orders, raiding the homes of judges by armed SSS officials, and arresting two former security chiefs. In addition, his administration saw the arrest of several critics and journalists, including Dadya Idris, Jones Abiri, and Omoyele Sowore. Also, people such as Ibrahim el-Zakzakky and his wife were victims of arrest, and their detention also flaunted court orders.

In a more recent accusation of the retired general’s dictatorship, his administration is responsible for the arrest, detention, and torture of the leader of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu . This was accompanied by another accusation of being responsible for the illegal raiding of the home of human rights activist Sunday Igboho , which led to the killing of some of his followers. Although Muhammadu Buhari may not be directly responsible for the several arrests and abuse of rights, the acts have occurred under his administration.

He Has Allegedly Incited Violence

Before the 2011 general elections, while campaigning under CPC, Buhari threatened to make Nigeria ungovernable if he lost. Shortly after the elections in which Goodluck Jonathan emerged as the winner, violence took over a part of the North West and North East where about 800 people, including 10 NYSC members, were reportedly killed.

Still, in 2011, he uttered “kare jini biri jini” in Hausa which directly translates to “the dog and the baboon getting soaked in blood.” Although he claimed to have used the words as Hausa idiom, which is also a metaphor for a very tough fight, it didn’t stop him from ending in a controversial situation to be instigating violence.

In addition to his causing violence, the presidency under his watch has been accused of deploying the military to Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, where 10 people lost their lives from shootings on 20 October 2020, during the EndSars protest that was perceived peaceful.

Muhammadu Buhari Reportedly Intends to Islamise Nigeria

Back in 2001, it was recorded that Buhari called for the introduction of total Islamic “Sharia” law in Nigeria. Although he was criticized heavily, especially by many Southern leaders, the call for action was defended by some of his supporters. At many points, the accusation of the politician’s intention to Islamize Nigeria continues with politicians such as the former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, joining in the allegation. This was also accompanied by another accusation by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, who also claimed that the shutting down of Twitter in Nigeria in 2021 exposed his plan to Islamize the country.

More about this, others believe that the real intention of Buhari is not necessarily to Islamise Nigeria but to turn the country into a Fulani state. The evidence mostly cited by the public is an alleged creation of a Fulani radio station with Federal government finances. Although the allegations to turn the country into an Islamic State or a Fulani domain have not been proven, it still has not stopped many from believing and accusing.

The Politician’s WAEC Certificate Generated Controversy

As stipulated in the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria section 131, it is expected that any candidate running for the office of the President should, among other things, be educated up to at least the School Certificate level or its equivalent. At the turn of the 2015 election period, a case awoke with questions surrounding why Muhammadu Buhari did not have a copy of his WAEC certificate among his documents before the INEC umpire. This would lead to questions such as “is Muhammadu Buhari a graduate?”

In any case, a major factor was that to have been enlisted in the army and risen through the ranks to retire as a general, he must have sat for his West African Examination Council certificate. In further explanation, he said his house during his time in detention was raided, and such a document might have been taken or destroyed. He again said all copies of his relevant documents were with the military. This trend of official statements following the missing WAEC result was doused when WAEC authorities sent an attestation indicating that indeed the 15th president of Nigeria sat for his certification examinations in 1961.

Highlights of His Educational History

• Katsina Middle School, Daura, and Mai’Adua (primary school, 1953)
• Katsina Provincial Secondary School (1956-1961)
• Nigeria Military Training College (1962-1962)
• Mons Officer Cadet School Aldershot, England (1962-1963)
• Nigeria Military Training College (1963-1964)
• Army Mechanical Transport School, Borden United Kingdom (1964)
• Defense Services Staff College, Wellington, India (1973)
• US Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania (1979-1980)

Muhammadu Buhari Has Been Accused of Favoring Only The Northern Region 

Since his ushering into ruling Nigeria democratically, Buhari has been accused of marginalizing the southern part of Nigeria and favoring the north, especially in his appointments. According to reports, this results in the president being dragged to court in 2020 by some southern leaders. The accusation has gone as far as claiming that his appointment entails 81 Northerners out of 100 appointees.

The presidency through Femi Adesina has countered this report claiming that 82 of the 157 appointments as made by Buhari went to the South while 75 from the North. However, a publication by Premium Times in 2017 showed that the list by Adesina was inaccurate, and several names were omitted in what was believed to be a deliberate act to show that the South had more appointments.

He Infuriorated Nigerian Youths and Granted Pardon to Terrorists

In 2019, at the Commonwealth Business Forum of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in London, Buhari, while speaking about the issues of Nigeria, made claims that Nigerian youths want things free because the country is an oil-producing one. He further claimed that the youths are mostly uneducated and lazy. The accusation led to anger by many, especially the youth, who mostly took to social media to discuss their grievances.

The twist in this comment came after it reached the public that the Nigerian government started a rehabilitation program for convicted and “repentant” Boko Haram. It became more controversial when the said repentant terrorists could join the military.

His Age Has Also Attracted Controversies

A popular belief is that Muhammadu Buhari may be in his 80s but clings to 81 years for political gains. Although this claim has not been proven, it has made rounds in the media and was a major point in the tussle for power during the 2015 campaign that led to his becoming a president. According to some sources, his sister, Hajiya Rakiya Adamu, who is (84) years old, is his younger sister, posing to be older. However, she claimed that Buhari is her younger and only surviving sibling.

The Real Muhammadu Buhari Purportedly Died, and The Current One is Allegedly Jubril of Sudan

In 2017, IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu started a conspiracy theory that the Buhari who won the 2015 presidential elections had died and was buried in Saudi Arabia and was replaced by a body double known as Jubril of Sudan . To back up this claim, it was alleged that Queen Elizabeth II and Eric Joyce sent Nigeria a condolence message over the said death.

Further given evidence to back the theory gave the following:

• It was claimed that Buhari was left-handed while Jubril uses his right hand.
• There are further claims that Buhari is about 2 inches taller than Jubril.
• It is asserted that Buhari is older than his body double.

Even though some politicians accepted the theory, including Femi Fani Kayode , others such as Olusegun Obasanjo , Femi Adesina, and Lai Mohammed thought the theory was a lie. Muhammadu Buhari has come out many times to debunk the widespread rumor.

Why Is Muhammadu Buhari’s Presidency So Controversial?

Starting in 2003, Muhammadu Buhari led campaigns to be elected President of Nigeria to undo the long trail of bad governance, corruption, and other ills plaguing the nation. Upon his victory in 2015, the path to that reformation has not been a smooth one. The display of wealth by members of his immediate family while he claims a modest declaration of assert raises questions.

There have been setbacks and further collapse of the fragile state of things in most sectors of the nation. The military hand of rule often has been seen to air its head in the official speeches and statements surrounding national affairs in a fashion many have pointed out to be un-democratic. Also, the effects of actions connected to the execution of tasks by ministerial and presidential advisory team members are often heaped back on him as the head of the administration.

In his first tenure, the announcement to stop the office of the First Lady raised concerns on female involvement and gender equity in his government. The mayhem caused by Boko Haram and other bandit groups having further pressured the state of security is a crucial area his administration promised to tackle with little success so far realized.

The number of professional and civil unions that continue to threaten and carry out strikes keeps asking where the promises a highly determined candidate made? Finally, he has been noted to be a frequent traveler, especially for official and medical affairs. Coincidentally, many of these trips fall at times where places and matters in the country require needed attention. It has left the people feeling uncared for.

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