Nigerians are now united in mourning the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a figure whose life was dedicated—often controversially—to public service. As condolences pour in, so does reflection on a leader whose tenure spanned both military rule and democratic governance, leaving behind a legacy that is as complex as it is consequential.

From his early days as military head of state (1983–1985) to his civilian presidency (2015–2023), Buhari embodied a brand of leadership rooted in discipline and moral rectitude. Yet, many of the same citizens who once hailed him as a beacon of hope later criticised him for stagnation, unmet promises, and an aloof governing style.

A Tale of Two Presidencies

Buhari’s political journey is defined by two distinct phases. His initial stint as military ruler was marked by the infamous “War Against Indiscipline”—a crusade to restore order and crack down on corruption. While this campaign gained support among citizens weary of lawlessness, it came at the cost of civil liberties, freedom of the press, and human rights.

Three decades later, Buhari made a democratic comeback in 2015, selling himself as a reformed leader capable of sanitising a corrupt system. The expectations were high: a disciplined hand to steer Nigeria toward economic stability and security. At first, the public responded with hope, especially after his early attempts to prosecute corrupt officials. But as time wore on, that hope dimmed.

The Currency Dilemma: Reform or Miscalculation?

Among the most distinctive features of Buhari’s legacy are his radical interventions in Nigeria’s currency system. In 1984, during his military rule, he ordered a sudden redesign of the naira to flush out illicit wealth. The move, though well-intentioned, caused economic disruption and widespread hardship.

Nearly 40 years later, in 2022, Buhari repeated the same approach—again authorising a naira redesign to tackle inflation, corruption, and terrorism financing. But instead of improving the economy, the policy sparked chaos: long queues at banks, cash shortages, and further economic strain. While the Central Bank praised the policy’s monetary tightening effect, many Nigerians viewed it as an inconvenient repeat of history with little to show for it.

With former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele now facing corruption charges, Buhari’s involvement in that policy is under renewed scrutiny. For many, the currency crisis stands as a symbol of his administration’s disconnect from the economic realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.

A Presidency Marred by Insecurity and Economic Woes

One of Buhari’s most significant failings was his inability to tame the spectre of insecurity. Despite promising to end insurgency and restore peace, Nigeria saw over 63,000 violent deaths during his eight-year tenure, according to the Nigeria Security Tracker. Banditry, kidnappings, communal violence, and terrorism worsened, particularly between 2019 and 2021.

The economy fared no better. Inflation more than doubled, unemployment surged, and millions fell deeper into poverty. From 2015 to 2023, inflation jumped from around 9% to over 22%, while unemployment climbed from 10.4% to over 33%. Despite Nigeria’s abundant resources, citizens struggled under a government seen as rigid, slow to act, and often disconnected from their struggles.

Anti-Corruption: Rhetoric Without Reform

Buhari’s anti-corruption mantra formed the backbone of his campaign promises. Some high-profile arrests and trials gave an initial impression of seriousness, but deeper structural reforms failed to materialise. Critics pointed to selective prosecution and accused the government of using anti-corruption as a political weapon rather than a national policy.

Institutions that could have ensured lasting change were ignored or undermined. Transparency suffered, and graft persisted, especially among the political elite. Buhari’s presidency increasingly came to be seen as a missed opportunity to reset Nigeria’s moral and administrative compass.

Aisha Buhari’s Plea and the Burden of Forgiveness

After Buhari’s death, his widow Aisha Buhari made an emotional public appeal, asking Nigerians to forgive her husband’s failings. According to her, Buhari had often requested that she make this appeal on his behalf should he die before her. This humanised the late president, revealing a private man perhaps aware of his public shortcomings.

But her plea also reignited long-standing grievances. Aisha had previously acknowledged that her husband’s government failed to deliver on key promises. Her honesty stands out in a political landscape where leaders rarely admit failure. Still, many Nigerians wonder why Buhari himself never offered a public apology while alive.

The “Fake Buhari” Conspiracy and a Silent Presidency

Buhari’s prolonged medical absences, particularly a 104-day stay in London in 2017, sparked bizarre rumours about his death and replacement with a body double—claims amplified by social media and figures like former British MP Eric Joyce. While baseless, the rumours reflected widespread disillusionment with a president who was increasingly absent and unresponsive.

The phrase “This is not the man she married”—often attributed to Aisha—came to symbolise public disappointment. It captured the sense that Buhari, once seen as a saviour, had become disconnected from the people he vowed to serve.

Medical Tourism and the Hypocrisy of Leadership

Buhari’s death in a foreign hospital underscores one of the most persistent symbols of leadership failure in Nigeria: medical tourism. Between 2015 and 2018 alone, Buhari spent 172 days receiving treatment abroad, further highlighting the disrepair of Nigeria’s healthcare system.

He follows a long line of Nigerian leaders who turned their backs on the very institutions they governed. From Umaru Yar’Adua to Ibrahim Babangida, elite figures routinely bypass local healthcare, leaving ordinary citizens to suffer in underfunded, understaffed hospitals.

This contradiction was again highlighted in the ongoing fraud case against former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, who requested to travel abroad for treatment. The EFCC pushed back, pointing to the very hospital Bello claimed to have built in Kogi State. The irony was lost on no one.

A Nation Governed by the Elderly, Ignored by the Youth

Nigeria, with a median age of just 18, remains governed by an ageing political elite. This generational divide has stalled progress, particularly in healthcare, education, and innovation. As young Nigerians face mounting unemployment, inflation, and insecurity, their leaders continue to operate in a bubble of privilege and detachment.

Buhari’s death—far from home, in a foreign medical facility—symbolises the consequences of this failure. When even the most powerful fear their own institutions, it speaks volumes about the depth of systemic rot.

Mourning and Manipulation

Public reactions to Buhari’s death have been mixed. While political elites issued glowing tributes, some citizens reportedly celebrated his passing. This contrast reveals the wide gap between official narratives and public sentiment. In a deeply politicised environment, even mourning becomes strategic—some believe these condolences are meant to appease the Northern region ahead of the 2027 elections.

Social media has laid bare the full range of emotions—from grief and forgiveness to anger and relief. This ambivalence reflects Buhari’s own legacy: one of high hopes dashed, efforts made but promises unfulfilled.

In the End, Impact Matters More Than Intention

Leaders are not judged solely by their intentions but by the lives they improve, the institutions they strengthen, and the values they uphold. Muhammadu Buhari’s life was undeniably one of service, but the results of that service remain hotly debated.

His death offers Nigeria a moment of pause—a chance to assess, to grieve, and most importantly, to learn. It’s a moment that demands more than condolences; it demands a renewed commitment to building a nation where leaders no longer flee abroad for medical care, where anti-corruption is more than a slogan, and where security and prosperity are real and shared.

True leadership leaves a legacy of progress. As Nigeria reflects on Buhari’s life and presidency, it must confront the hard truths of its governance and chart a new course—one that honours not only those who served, but those who suffered under their watch.