Tributes Pour In as Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Passes Away at Age 82

Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria's former military ruler and democratically elected president, has died at 82 in a London clinic. His leadership was marked by promises to tackle corruption and insurgency, but also by economic challenges and human rights controversies, leading to a mixed legacy that continues to influence Nigeria's political climate.

Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria's former president who transitioned from military rule to civilian leadership, has passed away at the age of 82 in a London clinic after falling ill during a routine medical check-up. Buhari, who served as both a military ruler and a democratically elected president, left a complex legacy marked by both promising reforms and significant turmoil in the nation.

Buhari's ascent to power was historic; after three failed attempts, he emerged victorious in the 2015 elections and became the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president since Nigeria embraced multiparty democracy. His supporters hailed his military background, seeing it as essential in addressing the pressing issue of the Islamist Boko Haram insurgency, as well as a steadfast commitment to combating corruption and nepotism within the government.

However, while his administration garnered some support, it also faced considerable backlash over its failures to address economic downturns exacerbated by falling global oil prices and one of the worst economic crises in Nigeria's recent history. Critics pointed to continued insecurity stemming from Boko Haram, deadly clashes in the central region, and rampant banditry in the northwest as major failings of his administration.

Born in December 1942 in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari rose through military ranks to become Nigeria's military ruler in the 1980s. His reign was characterized by a harsh crackdown on corruption—resulting in the imprisonment of numerous politicians and businessmen—but it also attracted accusations of human rights violations and anti-democratic tactics, such as press repression.

Following a coup that removed him from power in 1985, Buhari ventured into politics and redefined himself as a pro-democracy advocate. Yet, even as president, he defended some of his previous militaristic measures as necessary during times of national peril. Despite his attempts to improve the lives of everyday Nigerians, particularly the impoverished northern population, stark challenges remained throughout his tenure, including economic struggles that resulted from his controversial policies.

As he left office, a viral video reflected public sentiment about his presidency: Nigerians echoed a singular phrase—“Bag of rice”—illustrating the dramatic increase in the price of staple foods during his administration. After his passing, many now reflect on his complex legacy, filled with both hope for change and disappointment over unmet promises.

Buhari is survived by his second wife Aisha and their ten children. His death marks the ending of an era that has profoundly shaped Nigeria's political landscape, one that will continue to evoke debate and analysis for years to come.