Gladness Gideon
The death of former President Muhammadu Buhari at the age of 82 has reignited a national debate over the legacy of a man who once strode Nigeria’s political landscape with military precision and reformist zeal. As tributes pour in, so too does critical reflection on a presidency defined by its mix of promise and polarisation.
President Bola Tinubu, in honour of his predecessor, has declared a national mourning period, with flags ordered flown at half-mast. Vice President Kashim Shettima has been dispatched to London to accompany the late leader’s remains back to Nigeria for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Yet even as the nation mourns, Buhari’s record in office remains under scrutiny — a testament to the complexities of his leadership.
A Strong Start Marred by Doubt
Elected in 2015 on a wave of anti-corruption sentiment and hope for security reform, Buhari positioned himself as a no-nonsense leader ready to restore order. But as the years unfolded, critics say his government struggled to live up to that promise.
1. Anti-Corruption Campaign – Selective or Sincere?
Buhari’s anti-graft war produced some notable convictions and reclaimed billions in stolen funds. However, the campaign was dogged by accusations of partisanship, with opposition figures targeted while political allies allegedly enjoyed immunity. This dented the credibility of what many hoped would be a defining reform.
2. Discipline or Authoritarianism?
In 2016, Buhari reintroduced the “War Against Indiscipline,” a civic initiative from his 1983-85 military rule. While proponents applauded the effort to instill public order, many Nigerians viewed it as a tone-deaf and heavy-handed reminder of past authoritarian rule.
3. Plagiarism Scandal
Public relations missteps also marred Buhari’s image. In a 2016 speech meant to inspire hope, the presidency lifted key portions from Barack Obama’s 2008 victory address. The fallout was swift, with global ridicule and disciplinary action against aides.
4. Twitter Ban – A Digital Iron Curtain
In June 2021, the Nigerian government suspended Twitter after the platform deleted one of Buhari’s tweets for violating policy. The move stifled digital expression for seven months and drew condemnation from international rights groups and democratic governments.
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5. Controversial Appointments and Tenure Extensions
Buhari’s administration was frequently criticized for ignoring civil service rules. A key example was the retention of Ahmed Idris as Accountant-General despite retirement regulations. Idris was later arrested for embezzling over ₦100 billion, casting a shadow over Buhari’s anti-corruption rhetoric.
6. The Forgery Scandal
Toward the end of his presidency, a bombshell emerged: Buhari’s signature allegedly appeared on a forged approval letter authorizing a $6.2 million withdrawal from the Central Bank. The presidency denied wrongdoing, but the incident raised troubling questions about security lapses at the highest level.
7. The ‘Lazy Youths’ Controversy
During a business summit in London in 2018, Buhari remarked that many Nigerian youths “do nothing” and expect free benefits. The backlash was swift and intense, birthing the viral hashtag #LazyNigerianYouths and deepening generational distrust of his administration.
8. Economic Headwinds and Security Failures
Despite initial optimism, Buhari’s government saw Nigeria plunge into two recessions, with inflation, debt, and unemployment skyrocketing. Insecurity worsened, especially in the North, where banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping became rampant.
9. Clampdown on Dissent
The Buhari years were frequently criticized for undermining civil liberties. Human rights organizations documented cases of press intimidation, protest suppression (notably during the #EndSARS movement), and unlawful detentions that undercut Nigeria’s democratic image.
10. A Divided Legacy in Death
As the nation prepares for his burial, Buhari’s legacy remains contested. For his supporters, he was a disciplined patriot who gave his all. For his critics, he represents a missed opportunity for true national transformation.
Regardless of perspective, one fact remains clear: Muhammadu Buhari’s imprint on Nigerian history is indelible — a legacy of reform cloaked in contradiction.