By Abiola Olawale
Nigeria as a nation has literally gone into massive mourning state following the death of former president Muhammadu Buhari, whose exit,in several ways, marks the end of an era.
Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida and Goodluck Jonathan in their respective tributes mourned the demise of the former Nigerian leader whom they described as a patriot, leader, statesman, administrator and an incorruptible icon.
Obasanjo described Buhari as a great Patriot, an excellent administrator, a Statesman and an incorruptible leader. In the same vein, both General Babangida and erstwhile President Jonathan said Buhari gave his life to the service of Nigeria at different critical moments in the life of the nation.
Similarly, president Bola Tinubu, state governors, others paid their respective tributes as marks of honour to a leader who gave his life to national service.
This development is coming as family members in heartbreaking moments mourn the exit of their beloved Patriarch. For example, a video that has emerged online showed how Zahra Buhari, daughter of late President Buhari, and other family members are seen grieving following the announcement of the former leader’s death at the age of 82.
The video which was captured just outside the London hospital where the iconic leader passed on showed Zahra breaking down in tears.
The moment has drawn widespread attention after the video went viral.
Recall that Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023, passed away on July 14, 2025.
Buhari’s Exit as End of an Era
His death marks the end of an era in Nigeria. In Nigeria’s history, he is the only leader who has had the singular distinction of rising through various strategic national roles to the ultimate positions of both a Military Head of State and a two term democratically elected Civilian president, respectively. These roles include being a Military Governor, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Ist Division of the Nigerian Army, Member of the Supreme Military Council, Minister of Petroleum Resources and Chairman of NNPC Board, Chairman, PTF, Military Secretary, Military Head of State and elected Civilian President, amongst others.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo who first broke the record as having served as both a military Head of State and two term Civilian President, respectively, was Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters, to late Gen Murtala Muhamned as well as Minister of Works at different times. He was, however, not a military governor like Buhari neither was he a General Officer Commanding(GOC).
Buhari’s Background
The New Diplomat reports that Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, in what was then Northern Nigeria. Raised in a modest Fulani family, he was the 23rd child of his father, Adamu, and mother, Zulaihat.
Buhari’s early education began at a primary school in Daura and continued at Katsina Provincial Secondary School. His military career beckoned early, leading him to enroll at the Nigerian Military Training College in 1962.
Buhari’s military journey was illustrious, marked by earned promotions and key roles. After training in Nigeria and abroad, including at the prestigious Mons Officer Cadet School in the UK, he rose through the ranks, serving in various capacities during Nigeria’s turbulent years, including the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).
He became Military Governor of the North-Eastern State in 1975 and later served as Federal Commissioner(Minister) for Petroleum Resources under General Olusegun Obasanjo.
In December 1983, Buhari emerged as military Head of State after a military coup ousted then-President Shehu Shagari. He became Nigeria’s Head of State from December 31, 1983, until his overthrow in a 1985 coup led by Ibrahim Babangida.
After years in relative quietness, Buhari re-emerged as a democratic leader, contesting Nigeria’s presidency in 2003, 2007, and 2011 under various political platforms, ultimately winning in 2015 as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His victory marked the first time an opposition candidate defeated an incumbent president in Nigeria’s history. Buhari served two terms (2015–2023), focusing on anti-corruption, security, and economic reforms, which positively transformed the country in various aspects of governance.
