Nigeria has yet to fully mourn the loss of our somewhat controversial former President Muhammadi Buhari. He died at the age of 82 Sunday in a London hospital. The populist Buhari, famous for his austere lifestyle and incendiary rhetoric towards corrupt officials, won a fresh mandate in 2019. His legacy as a reformer is hearty to all supporters as well as detractors.
Buhari initially came to power in 1983 via a military coup, ruling for less than two years before being overthrown. He did come back to power as a civilian leader in 2015. On March 31, this victory over Goodluck Jonathan represented one of the most important political victories for democracy in Nigeria. His victory was the first for an opposition candidate in a presidential election since the country’s return to civilian rule. Buhari’s image as an austere, no-nonsense man was instrumental to his victory. His key to winning was the northern support that enabled him to forge a national coalition, winning him the presidency with huge electoral college majorities, twice.
A Life Dedicated to Reform
International human rights advocates and supporters of Buhari saw him as a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s democratic future. His short presidency was marked by an unprecedented focus on infrastructure development and anti-corruption efforts. Yet, it too had to contend with economic recession, deepening insecurity and a collapsing oil industry.
Buhari’s commitment to unity was evident in his declaration: “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody.” This declaration highlighted the seriousness of his desire to transcend Nigeria’s deep-seated ethnic and party divisions to govern for all people.
Alexis Akwagyiram, a political analyst, noted, “He had the personal brand of integrity and honesty,” highlighting Buhari’s reputation among those who viewed him as a reformative figure.
A Final Farewell
In honor of Orji’s memory, President Bola Tinubu declared a seven-day national mourning period, after his passing. He further declared a public holiday in celebration of Buhari’s extraordinary service to the nation. The former president was buried in the garden of his residence. His home state is Daura, a city in Nigeria’s northern Katsina province.
His burial was, perhaps, the final homage offered for an era by Nigerians who had tracked his political trajectory so intimately. Buhari’s time in office saw notable achievements but significant challenges that shaped the country’s trajectory.
Reflections on His Legacy
As Nigeria reflects on Muhammadu Buhari’s legacy, it is clear that his presidency will be remembered for both its reformist ambitions and its struggles. The impact of his leadership style, characterized by calls for integrity and anti-corruption measures, will likely influence future political discourse in Nigeria.
