Statecraft & Independence
Landmark
Muhammadu Buhari
1942 – 2025
Military ruler and elected president
Landmark is level 2 of 4 in the Nigeria Hall of Fame: a first that opened a door, or the pre-eminent figure of their generation in this country. See how the levels work.
Why they are here
A general who led a military government from 1983 to 1985 and, three decades later, was elected president.
His victory in 2015 was the first time a sitting Nigerian president was defeated at the polls. He served two terms and died in 2025.
His military government of 1983-1985 detained critics and journalists without trial.
His military government of 1983-1985 detained critics and journalists without trial.
Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we will check it.