Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR (17 December 1942 – 13 July 2025) was the President of Nigeria and a former Major General in the Nigerian Army. He first became Head of State of Nigeria on 31 December 1983 when he took over the government by surprise.[2][3] While he was in power, he passed laws to control how people behaved that were very harsh[4] and put many people in jail, even the famous musician Fela Kuti.[5] On 27 August 1985, there was another surprise takeover and he was no longer in charge of the country.
Quick facts 7th and 15th President of Nigeria, Vice President ...
Muhammadu Buhari
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 Official portrait, 2015 |
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In office
29 May 2015 – 29 May 2023 |
| Vice President | Yemi Osinbajo |
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| Preceded by | Goodluck Jonathan |
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| Succeeded by | Bola Tinubu |
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In office
31 December 1983 – 27 August 1985
as Military Head of State of Nigeria |
| Chief of Staff | Tunde Idiagbon |
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| Preceded by | Shehu Shagari |
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| Succeeded by | Ibrahim Babangida |
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In office
11 November 2015 – 29 May 2023 |
| President | Himself |
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| Minister of State | Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu
Timipre Sylva |
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| Preceded by | Diezani Allison-Madueke |
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| Succeeded by | Bola Tinubu |
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In office
March 1976 – June 1978
as Federal Commissioner of Petroleum
and Natural Resources |
| Head of State | Olusegun Obasanjo |
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In office
3 February 1976 – 15 March 1976 |
| Head of State | Murtala Mohammed
Olusegun Obasanjo |
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| Preceded by | Office established |
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| Succeeded by | Mustapha Amin |
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In office
1 August 1975 – 3 February 1976
as Governor of the North-Eastern State |
| Head of State | Murtala Mohammed |
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| Preceded by | Musa Usman |
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| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
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| Born | (1942-12-17)17 December 1942
Daura, Northern Region, British Nigeria
(now in Katsina, Nigeria) |
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| Died | 13 July 2025(2025-07-13) (aged 82)
London, England, UK |
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| Political party | All Progressives Congress (2013–2025) |
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Other political
affiliations |
- All Nigeria Peoples Party (2002–2010)
- Congress for Progressive Change (2010–2013)
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| Spouse(s) |
Safinatu Yusuf
(m. 1971 ; div. 1988 ) |
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| Relations |
- Muhammadu Ribadu (grandfather-in-law)
- Mamman Daura (nephew)
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| Children | 10 |
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| Alma mater |
- Nigerian Military Training College
- Mons Officer Cadet School
- U.S. Army War College[1]
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| Occupation | - Politician
- military officer
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| Awards | List of honors and awards |
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| Nickname(s) | Baba or Baba Buhari |
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| Allegiance | Nigeria |
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| Branch | Nigerian Army |
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| Service years | 1962–1985 |
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| Rank | Major general |
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| Conflicts | Nigerian Civil War
Chadian–Nigerian War |
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Close
In the 21st century, Buhari decided to try and become head of state again and ran in multiple elections. He eventually won and became President of Nigeria in 2015. He brought back some of the harsh laws from the last time he was in charge of Nigeria.[6] Now, more people have been criticizing him as part of the End SARS protests.
Buhari died in London, England, on 13 July 2025, while receiving medical treatment after being hospitalised, at the age of 82.[7][8][9]
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