Muhammadu Buhari (17 December 1942 – 13 July 2025) was a Nigerian military officer and politician who served as President of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023 and previously as military Head of State from 1983 to 1985. Born in Daura, Katsina State, in northern Nigeria, Buhari joined the Nigerian Army in 1962 and served as a frontline officer during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). He rose through the ranks, becoming military governor of the North-Eastern State in 1975 and later Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources, where he oversaw the creation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). On 31 December 1983, Buhari came to power in a military coup that ousted President Shehu Shagari, citing economic mismanagement and corruption. As Head of State, he introduced austerity measures and launched the “War Against Indiscipline,” a campaign aimed at promoting civic responsibility and curbing corruption, though it was criticized for its authoritarian methods. He was overthrown in a palace coup in August 1985. After retiring from the military, Buhari entered democratic politics, running unsuccessfully for president in 2003, 2007, and 2011. In 2015, he won the presidency as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), defeating incumbent Goodluck Jonathan in Nigeria’s first peaceful transfer of power from an incumbent to an opposition candidate. He was re-elected in 2019 for a second term, completing his tenure on 29 May 2023. Buhari’s civilian presidency focused on anti-corruption efforts, security sector reform, and infrastructure development, while facing challenges including the Boko Haram insurgency, economic recessions, and concerns over human rights and press freedom. He remained a prominent figure in Nigerian politics until his death on 13 July 2025 in London, England, at the age of 82.