Muhammadu Buhari (1942–2025) was a Nigerian statesman who served as the President of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023. A retired Major General, he previously served as the nation’s military head of state from 1983 to 1985. As of January 2026, Nigeria is observing the first anniversary of his passing, with his legacy remaining a central point of discussion in the nation’s political and economic reset.
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Key Biographical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Muhammadu Buhari |
| Born | December 17, 1942, Daura, Katsina State |
| Died | July 13, 2025 (Aged 82), London, England |
| Buried | July 15, 2025, Daura, Nigeria |
| Political Party | All Progressives Congress (APC) |
| Successor | Bola Ahmed Tinubu (since May 29, 2023) |
| Legacy Pillars | Anti-corruption, Infrastructure (Rail/Bridges), and Security |
Passing and State Honors (2025)
The death of Muhammadu Buhari in mid-2025 marked the end of an era for the “Change” movement that redefined Nigerian politics in 2015.
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National Mourning: President Bola Tinubu declared a period of national mourning following Buhari’s death in London on July 13, 2025. His body was flown back to Nigeria and interred in his hometown of Daura amidst a massive gathering of world leaders and citizens.
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The “Soldier to Statesman” Tribute: On December 15, 2025, President Tinubu hosted a high-profile book launch in Abuja for Buhari’s biography, From Soldier to Statesman. Tinubu pledged to sustain Buhari’s “legacies of purposeful leadership, discipline, and integrity,” describing him as a political partner who “loved the masses.”
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Infrastructure Naming: In early 2026, several states announced legacy projects in his honor. For instance, the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate in Ogun State was highlighted in January 2026 as a model for affordable housing.
The “Buhari Legacy” Debate in 2026
As Nigeria navigates a difficult economic period in early 2026, the long-term impact of Buhari’s eight-year tenure is under intense scrutiny.
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Economic Policy Echoes: Political analysts in January 2026 frequently reference Buhari’s late-term decisions, such as the suspension of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) implementation, as a factor in the current fiscal challenges. His “War Against Indiscipline” (WAI) philosophy is often contrasted with the more market-oriented reforms of the current administration.
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Infrastructure Gains: His administration is widely credited with the most significant rail and bridge expansion in modern Nigerian history, including the Second Niger Bridge and the Lagos-Ibadan Rail Line, projects that continue to be cited as his most tangible achievements.
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Anti-Corruption: While his “Change” mantra focused on rooting out graft, current 2026 investigations (such as those involving NNPCL funds) continue to test the strength of the institutional safeguards he attempted to build.
Current Status of the Buhari Family
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Her Excellency Aisha Buhari: The former First Lady remains an influential figure in Abuja. In late 2025 and early 2026, she has been active in philanthropic efforts, particularly those focused on maternal health and the “Joining Hands for a Future of AIDS” program, continuing the work she championed during her husband’s presidency.
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The Daura Household: The Buhari family home in Daura has become a site of pilgrimage for APC loyalists and regional leaders who seek to honor the memory of the man known to his supporters as “Baba.”