Muhammadu Buhari (1942–2025): Life, Times, “Presidency and Medical Trips”

Nigeria’s immediate past president, Muhammadu Buhari, who was fondly called Baba Mai Gaskiya by his supporters, has died at the age of 82.

Buhari’s death was confirmed by his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, on Sunday afternoon.

He said the former president died at a hospital in the United Kingdom.

Shehu’s statement read, “The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London.”

Buhari earned the ‘mai gaskiya’ sobriquet due to his integrity and discipline in public and private life.

Regarded as one of Nigeria’s most consequential political leaders, Buhari was the first candidate to defeat an incumbent president, pushing the frontiers of Nigeria’s political experience.

• The Life and Times of Muhammadu Buhari (1942–2025)

After weeks of speculation about his health, the immediate past president, Muhammadu Buhari, passed away on July 13, 2025, aged 82, in a London clinic.

His transition reflects another major chapter of Nigeria’s socio-political sojourn, one scripted in the long struggle for nationhood.

Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), GCFR, was a former military ruler and two-term civilian president of Nigeria.

A polarising yet enduring figure in Nigerian political history, Buhari’s life straddled the barracks and the ballot box, military discipline and democratic contest, national redemption and controversy.

In his time, he enjoyed an unrivalled mass following in the North, which largely guided his politics.

• Early Life and Education

Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, then part of the Northern Region of British Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari was the 23rd child of his father, Mallam Hardo Adamu, a Fulani chieftain.

He lost his father at age four and was raised under the guardianship of Waziri Alhassan, son of the Emir of Daura. Buhari’s early education took place in Daura and Mai’Adua before he attended the Katsina Middle School and then the Katsina Provincial Secondary School. Though originally interested in studying medicine, he was persuaded to join the military, setting him on a path that would define his life.

• Military Career

Buhari entered the Nigerian Military Training College in 1962 at 19 and later trained in the UK at Mons Officer Cadet School and the Army Mechanical Transport School.

He rose swiftly through the ranks, serving in key military capacities during the Nigerian Civil War. He was involved in the 1966 counter-coup and led troops in pivotal battles such as those in Ogoja and Onitsha.

His post-war military trajectory included appointments as Governor of the North-Eastern State, the first Governor of Borno State, Federal Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, and Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. By 1983, Buhari was General Officer Commanding the 3rd Armoured Division, stationed in Jos.

• First Rise to Power: Military Rule (1983–1985)

On December 31, 1983, Buhari overthrew the democratically elected government of President Shehu Shagari in a coup d’état, citing corruption and economic mismanagement.

As Nigeria’s military head of state, he ruled with a hard hand. His regime is best remembered for the War Against Indiscipline (WAI), harsh decrees such as Decree No. 4, mass retrenchment in the civil service, and the retroactive application of capital punishment laws.

Buhari jailed over 500 officials for corruption, banned strikes, detained critics—including Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti—and imposed tough austerity measures. He also cracked down on illegal drug trafficking and introduced currency exchange reforms.

However, the authoritarian tone of his administration, coupled with economic hardship and internal dissatisfaction within the armed forces, led to his overthrow by General Ibrahim Babangida in August 1985. He was detained in Benin City until 1988.

• Civilian Interlude and Return to Politics

After release from detention, Buhari withdrew to Daura and became involved in developmental initiatives such as the Katsina Foundation. He was later appointed chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) under General Sani Abacha, where he earned a reputation for transparency and efficiency.

From 2003, Buhari contested presidential elections four times—in 2003, 2007, 2011, and 2015. He initially ran under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), later forming the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). After three failed attempts, he finally won the presidency in 2015 on the platform of the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC), defeating incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan—a historic democratic transition.

• Presidency: 2015–2023

As a civilian president, Buhari positioned himself as an anti-corruption crusader and a moral disciplinarian. He inherited a nation grappling with insecurity, economic stagnation, and public distrust in governance. His early presidency was defined by the fight against Boko Haram, which he declared “technically defeated,” although insecurity persisted in various forms across the country.

Buhari also launched the National Social Investment Programme, which included N-Power, TraderMoni, and the School Feeding Programme. His administration prosecuted several high-profile corruption cases and introduced a whistleblower policy that led to major asset recovery.

Yet, his government was not without criticism. Buhari was often accused of nepotism, being slow in decision-making, and lacking energy. Under his watch, Nigeria entered a recession, inflation soared, and unemployment hit record highs. Ethno-religious tensions deepened with farmer-herder clashes, banditry, and secessionist agitations in the South-East.

He was also dogged by recurring health issues, which took him abroad for medical treatment on multiple occasions, most notably in 2017 when he was absent from the country for 104 days. Speculations about his capacity to govern shadowed much of his second term.

• Second Term and Exit

Re-elected in 2019, Buhari’s second term was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, #EndSARS protests, and deepening insecurity. His government faced increasing criticism for what many perceived as creeping authoritarianism. Nevertheless, he maintained his posture as a disciplined nationalist committed to Nigeria’s stability.

On May 29, 2023, Buhari peacefully handed over power to his successor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking the end of a controversial yet historically significant chapter in Nigeria’s democratic journey. He retired to Daura immediately after the inauguration.

• Life after Office.

After serving his time, he tried to stay out of the political spotlight. He retired to Daura, Katsina State, and subsequently to Kaduna State, where he had mostly lived. As a former president with an almost cult-like following, his doors remained open to all.

For instance, at the start of the current opposition movement, he received various political leaders who came to consult him. He was, however, quick to note his membership of the APC.

• Buhari’s Legacy

Buhari leaves behind a complex legacy. For some, he was a patriot and incorruptible leader who restored a measure of order and fiscal prudence. For others, he represented a missed opportunity—an austere leader out of step with the demands of a modern democracy.

He was a father of 10, a devout Muslim, and a figure who remained central to Nigerian politics for over five decades. His supporters nicknamed him ‘Baba’, a term of affection that symbolised both reverence and familiarity.

He will be remembered as one of two Nigerians (the other being Chief Olusegun Obasanjo) who served as military head of state and elected president and for the indelible mark he left on the country he fought to govern, discipline, and reform.

Timeline of Buhari’s Medical Trips (2015–2023)

• 2015

No Medical Trips: President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office on May 29, 2015 and did not make any foreign medical trips in 2015. His first such trip occurred eight months into his tenure, in early 2016.

• 2016

Feb 5–10, 2016 (London, UK) – Short Vacation & Medical Check. Buhari took a short 6-day vacation to London from February 5 to 10, 2016 – his first medical-related trip since taking office. During this period, he formally transferred power to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as Acting President via a letter to the National Assembly.

June 6–19, 2016 (London, UK) – Ear Infection Treatment. Buhari travelled to the UK on June 6 for treatment of a persistent ear infection, initially on a 10-day medical leave that he extended by a few days for rest (returning June 19)

• 2017

January 19 – Mar 10, 2017 (London, UK)—Extended Medical Leave. Buhari departed Nigeria on January 19, 2017, for what was announced as a 10-day vacation combining “routine medical check-ups.”

He notified the Senate in writing and officially empowered Osinbajo to act as President during his absence. However, Buhari’s stay in London was extended; he did not return until March 10, 2017, after 50 days abroad. The specific ailment was never disclosed; officials simply urged Nigerians to pray for the President’s recovery.

May 8 – Aug 19, 2017 (London, UK) – Longest Medical Trip. On May 7–8, 2017, Buhari embarked on his longest medical trip, flying to London for a follow-up treatment amid growing concerns about his health.

He spent 104 days in London (May 8 to August 19, 2017) for an undisclosed ailment. As before, he transmitted authority to Osinbajo to serve as Acting President during this period. Buhari returned to Nigeria on August 19, 2017, looking gaunt and acknowledging he had “never been so sick” in his life.

Sept 21 – 25, 2017 (London, UK) – Follow-up Stopover. After addressing the UN General Assembly in New York, Buhari made a brief stopover in London for a medical appointment.

He spent about 4 days in London (September 21 to 25, 2017) for this follow-up check-up . This short visit was treated as a technical stop and not a standalone vacation; there was no formal transfer of power to the VP for this quick trip.

• 2018

May 8 – 11, 2018 (London, UK) – “Medical Review” Trip. Buhari undertook a brief 4-day trip to London to see his doctor for a scheduled “medical review,” departing Nigeria on May 8 and returning May 11, 2018.

This came about nine months after his return from the long 2017 medical leave. The Presidency said the visit was at his doctor’s request. No acting president was appointed for this short absence (Buhari did not transmit power, given the trip’s brief duration).

Aug 3 – 18, 2018 (London, UK) – Working Vacation & Check-up. Buhari commenced a “working holiday” in London on August 3, 2018, for about 15 days. In line with constitutional practice, he transmitted a letter to the National Assembly and Vice President Osinbajo was designated Acting President during this period.

Although described primarily as a vacation, officials indicated he “may just see his doctors briefly” during the trip. Buhari returned to Nigeria on August 18, 2018, after this working visit.

• 2019

Apr 25 – May 5, 2019 (London, UK) – “Private Visit” (Undisclosed Medical Trip). Shortly after his re-election, Buhari travelled to London on what was officially termed a 10-day “private visit” from April 25 to May 5, 2019.

No specific medical reason was announced, but it was widely believed the trip included medical check-ups. Notably, Buhari did not transmit power to Osinbajo for this trip—a decision he later defended as not required for an absence under two weeks. This non-transfer stirred public debate about constitutional requirements.

Nov 2 – 17, 2019 (London, UK) – Another Private Medical Visit. Buhari undertook another “private visit” to London for about 15 days, arriving in the UK on November 2, 2019, after an official trip to Saudi Arabia. He returned to Nigeria on November 17, 2019. As with the April 2019 trip, the presidency did not disclose details of this visit, though it was presumed to be for medical follow-up.

2020

2020 – No Overseas Medical Trips: Buhari did not travel abroad for medical reasons in 2020, likely due to global COVID-19 travel restrictions. This was the only calendar year of his presidency without an overseas medical trip, as he relied on domestic healthcare during that period.

• 2021

Mar 30 – Apr 15, 2021 (London, UK) – Routine Medical Check-up. Buhari resumed his periodic overseas health trips in 2021, departing for London on March 30 for a “routine medical check-up”. He spent about two weeks in the UK and returned in mid-April 2021.

This trip notably came amid a strike by resident doctors in Nigeria’s public hospitals. No acting president was appointed for this roughly 15-day visit (Buhari did not formally transfer power for the short duration).

July 26 – Aug 12, 2021 (London, UK) – Medical Check-up after UK Summit. Buhari travelled to London on July 26, 2021, to attend the Global Education Summit and stayed afterwards for an earlier scheduled medical check-up. He spent about two weeks in the UK, returning to Abuja by August 12, 2021.

• 2022

Mar 6 – 18, 2022 (London, UK) – Another Medical Trip. On March 6, 2022, Buhari left Nigeria for London for yet another round of medical consultations, shortly after attending an event in Kenya .

He spent 12 days on this trip and returned on March 18, 2022. This check-up had been announced in advance by his office, with an estimated duration of about two weeks.

No power transfer occurred for this trip (his absence was under the informal 21-day threshold the administration cited) .

Oct 31 – Nov 13, 2022 (London, UK) – Final Medical Check-up as President. Buhari departed Nigeria on October 31, 2022, for a two-week medical check-up in London.

He returned on November 13, 2022, completing what would be his final medical trip abroad during his presidency. Prior to departure, aides described this as a “routine” check-up.

Post-Presidency Note: President Buhari stepped down on May 29, 2023, after two terms, having spent an estimated 225 days on medical trips abroad since 2015 .

• Summary

Total Known Medical Trips (While in Office): At least 10 tripsbetween 2016 and 2023

Longest Single Absence: 104 days (May–August 2017)

Main Destination: London, United Kingdom
Medical Conditions Speculated: Ear infection (Ménière’s disease), age-related complications, and undisclosed chronic illness

10 things Muhammadu Buhari will be remembered for

• Twice Nigeria’s Leader — Military and Civilian

Muhammadu Buhari served as Nigeria’s military Head of State (1983–1985) and later as democratically elected President (2015–2023) — making him the second Nigerian to lead the country in both capacities.

• Military Background and Civil War Participation

Buhari joined the Nigerian Army in 1962, trained in the UK, and fought in the Nigerian Civil War, commanding key battalions and sectors during major offensives in the East.

• Launched the War Against Indiscipline (WAI)

As military ruler, Buhari launched the famous War Against Indiscipline, a moral rearmament campaign to promote public order, patriotism, and civic responsibility.

Known for Authoritarian Rule in the 1980s
His military government was characterized by harsh decrees, press suppression (Decree 4), mass retrenchment, executions for drug offences, and retroactive application of laws.

• Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF)

Under General Abacha in the 1990s, Buhari headed the PTF, which gained public praise for transparency in delivering infrastructural projects across Nigeria.

• Ran for President Four Times, Won on Fourth Try

Buhari contested the presidency in 2003, 2007, 2011, and finally won in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC), defeating incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.

Focused on Anti-Corruption and Security as President
His civilian presidency prioritized anti-corruption, Boko Haram counter-insurgency, and social welfare schemes like N-Power, though he was criticized for economic mismanagement.

• Long Medical Absences Marked His Presidency

Buhari’s two-term presidency was marred by frequent medical trips to the UK, including a 104-day absence in 2017 that raised concerns about his health and capacity to govern.

• Faced Major Protests During Tenure — #EndSARS

In 2020, Buhari’s government faced massive youth-led #EndSARS protests against police brutality, seen as a defining moment of dissent during his rule.

• Handed Over Power Peacefully and Retired to Daura

On May 29, 2023. Buhari handed over to Bola Tinubu and immediately retired to his hometown of Daura, marking the end of a five-decade public career.