On Sunday, July 13, 2025, Nigeria lost one of its most consequential sons, President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away peacefully in London at the age of 82. Tuesday, July 15, his remains were laid to rest in Daura (his beloved hometown), Katsina State, in a solemn ceremony attended by family, friends, dignitaries, and citizens from across the nation who gathered to bid farewell to a man who had served Nigeria with unparalleled dedication, honesty, and humility.
The life of Muhammadu Buhari was characterised by steadfast service to the Nigerian state. From the battlefields of the Nigerian Civil War to his quiet retirement in Daura after decades of national duty, Buhari stood as a symbol of discipline, patriotism, and moral clarity. In a country often battered by shifting political tides and transient loyalties, Buhari’s extensive career in both military leadership and democratic governance represented stability, resilience, and sacrifice.
Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Buhari joined the Nigerian military in 1961. His leadership potential was evident early on. By 1964, he was already earning the admiration of his peers, including General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who later became Nigeria’s Head of State. Reflecting on Buhari, General Abdulsalami said, “Buhari is exceptionally honest,” a remark capturing the essence of the man Nigeria now mourns.
Buhari’s commitment to national unity was tested during the Nigerian Civil War, where he fought bravely on the side of the Federal Government to defend the country’s territorial integrity. He later served as Military Governor of the then Northeastern State in 1975, where he deepened his understanding of Nigeria’s ethnic and regional complexities. In 1976, Buhari was appointed Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources, overseeing the creation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), an institution still crucial to Nigeria’s economic stability.
In 1983, following a military coup amid widespread corruption and economic instability, Buhari became Head of State. His tenure, though brief, was marked by a rigorous anti-corruption drive and the War Against Indiscipline (WAI), a campaign aimed at instilling civic responsibility. His administration faced criticism for its stern measures, yet even detractors acknowledged Buhari’s personal integrity. He was austere, incorruptible, and firmly committed to the idea of a disciplined and functional Nigeria.
Remarkably, Buhari’s legacy expanded further when he returned to politics as a democratic leader. After three unsuccessful presidential bids, he achieved a historic victory in 2015, defeating an incumbent president, an unprecedented milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey. At the age of 72, a period when most men seek retirement, Buhari courageously assumed leadership to address Nigeria’s critical issues of insecurity, corruption, and institutional decay.
His presidency prioritized the restoration of national security, especially in the North-East, where Boko Haram had seized large swathes of territory. Under his leadership, the Nigerian military reclaimed almost all towns and villages previously occupied by insurgents. His administration, despite facing substantial security and economic challenges, maintained steadfast commitment to national unity and the fight against terrorism.
Buhari also launched an extensive anti-corruption campaign to sanitize public service and instill financial accountability. While critics sometimes pointed to the procedural nature of his approach, no one questioned the sincerity of his intentions. Buhari was neither flamboyant nor drawn to political theatrics. Instead, he remained a man of quiet conviction, most comfortable in the simplicity of his Daura home rather than the opulence of Aso Rock.
President Buhari completed his second term in 2023, peacefully handing over power to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, thus contributing significantly to Nigeria’s democratic stability. After stepping down, Buhari retired to Daura, living quietly and humbly, occasionally granting interviews or hosting visitors in his typically unpretentious manner. His expressed wish, often reiterated, was simply to live quietly a wish he fulfilled until the end.
The news of Buhari’s death evoked profound tributes from Nigerians and leaders around the world. Yet perhaps the most moving tribute was not expressed in words, but in the dignified and respectful actions of President Tinubu, who ensured that Buhari’s remains were returned swiftly and honourably to Nigeria. Vice President Kashim Shettima personally accompanied the late leader’s remains in a presidential passenger cabin—not as cargo. That was a gesture of profound respect. Thank you, Vice President Shettima. The funeral, conducted with full state honours, reflected Buhari’s core values: modesty, dignity, and humility.
This act, simple yet powerful, highlighted the continuity of responsible leadership and acknowledged that Nigeria endures because of the sacrifices of selfless individuals like Buhari, who gave everything without expecting anything in return.
Buhari’s legacy will undoubtedly remain a subject of discussion, as is common with public figures of great significance. However, it is indisputable that Buhari stood for enduring values: discipline in public life, honesty in leadership, and an steadfast dedication to Nigeria’s unity. He was not perfect—no leader ever is—but he was principled and courageous. Although he did not solve all of Nigeria’s problems, he confronted them with dignity, transparency, and genuine concern for national interests.
Buhari viewed justice as greater than the law; to him, laws without justice served no purpose for mankind. As such, he lived as a just man and died a just leader.
As someone from the North-East, specifically Borno State, I can testify firsthand to Buhari’s immense impact. Before his presidency, over 17 local government areas, including my hometown of Abadam, were controlled by Boko Haram. Under Buhari’s leadership, Nigeria’s gallant armed forces dismantled the insurgents, raised the Nigerian flag, and restored full national sovereignty. For the people of Borno, Buhari was indeed extraordinary—a leader unmatched in recent Nigerian history. Leaders like Buhari, with such honesty, integrity, and devotion, emerge perhaps once in a generation.
Buhari genuinely loved, and was equally loved by, the people of Borno without reservation. Without his decisive actions, Borno and neighbouring states like Adamawa and Yobe might have fallen permanently under Boko Haram’s caliphate.
Let us remember Buhari’s extraordinary example of selfless service, honesty, and quiet strength. He fought a war to keep Nigeria united, governed with restraint, served with honor, and stepped away gracefully when his mission concluded.
May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdausil A’ala. May Nigeria forever cherish the values he embodied discipline, integrity, and love for country, and may future leaders emulate his humble resolve, understanding that true power lies not in the volume of one’s voice but in the sincerity of one’s service.
Rest peacefully in Jannatul Firdausil-Aala, Baba Buhari. Nigeria will always remember you.
Dr Adam wrote from Maiduguri.
