10 things you didn’t know about Buhari
10 surprising facts about Muhammadu Buhari you probably never knew — from exile to power, modesty to medical trips.
The passing of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari at age 82 has triggered global tributes and national reflection. While he was known for his anti-corruption stance, military discipline, and conservative politics, there are aspects of his life that remain lesser known to the public. Here are ten intriguing facts that shed light on the man behind the uniform — and the suit.
1. He Refused IMF Loans as a Military Leader
During his 1983–1985 military rule, Buhari rejected a proposed International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan that came with strings attached — including the devaluation of the naira. He chose economic austerity over conditional aid, insisting Nigeria must live within its means. This decision won him nationalist support but created rifts with Western powers and economic advisers.
2. He Spent Over 230 Days in a London Hospital as President
Despite promising to improve Nigeria’s healthcare, Buhari frequently flew to the London Clinic for medical treatment — spending more than 230 cumulative days there during his presidency. His persistent foreign medical trips drew public criticism and sparked debate about the credibility of Nigeria’s health system.
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3. First Nigerian to Defeat an Incumbent President
In 2015, Buhari made democratic history by defeating then-president Goodluck Jonathan, becoming the first Nigerian to unseat a sitting leader through the ballot box. It was his fourth time contesting — a testament to his political persistence.
4. He Married Into a Political Dynasty
Buhari’s wife, Aisha Buhari, is the granddaughter of Nigeria’s first Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammadu Ribadu. The union solidified political ties among elite northern families, blending traditional influence with political ambition.
5. He Was Detained for Over 3 Years After a Coup
After being overthrown by General Ibrahim Babangida in 1985, Buhari was detained for more than three years in Benin City without charge. He later described it as an unjust incarceration — a rare instance of a former head of state being held that long by his successors.
6. He Served as Chairman of PTF Under Abacha
Before returning as an elected president, Buhari chaired the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) under General Sani Abacha’s regime. While controversial for its ties to a dictatorship, the PTF was praised for executing infrastructure projects, especially in health and education.
7. He Performed Hajj 16 Times
Buhari was a devout Muslim and fulfilled the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca at least 16 times, both officially and personally. His spiritual discipline shaped much of his personal lifestyle — from modest dressing to his austere public image.
8. He Was One of the Youngest Military Governors in Nigeria
In 1975, at just 33, Buhari was appointed Military Governor of the North-Eastern State (now Borno, Yobe, etc.) by General Murtala Muhammed. He quickly rose through military ranks, eventually becoming Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources.
9. He Reportedly Lived a Modest Lifestyle
Despite wielding immense power, Buhari was known for a frugal lifestyle. In his asset declaration in 2015, he stated he had few properties, modest savings, and a small herd of cattle. Critics questioned the transparency of this claim, but supporters lauded it as evidence of his incorruptibility.
10. He Remained a Northern Political Icon Till His Death
Even after leaving office, Buhari retained immense influence in Nigeria’s northern region, where he was viewed as a symbol of integrity, Islamic conservatism, and regional pride. His passing may trigger a shift in northern power dynamics heading into the 2027 elections.
A Legacy Still Unfolding
Muhammadu Buhari was never a conventional politician. Loved, criticized, admired, and misunderstood, his legacy will continue to shape Nigerian politics, security discourse, and civic activism for years to come. In remembering his life, it’s the full story — not just the headlines — that best explains his place in history.