Muhammadu Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, in northern Nigeria. He is a retired Major General in the Nigerian Army and a politician who has served as the President of Nigeria since 2015. Buhari's first stint in power came in 1983 when he led a military coup that overthrew the democratically elected government of President Shehu Shagari. Buhari ruled Nigeria as a military head of state from December 31, 1983, to August 27, 1985, before being overthrown by another coup led by General Ibrahim Babangida.

Buhari's military regime was characterized by a strict stance against corruption and indiscipline, which led to policies that were seen as harsh and authoritarian. His government introduced the "War Against Indiscipline" (WAI) campaign, targeting corrupt practices and promoting civic responsibility. Buhari's tenure as a military leader was also marked by economic austerity measures, which included cuts to public spending and attempts to reduce Nigeria's dependency on oil revenues. Despite these efforts, his government faced criticism for human rights abuses, press censorship, and the detention of political opponents without trial.

After his ousting, Buhari retired from the military and entered civilian politics. He ran for president multiple times in 2003, 2007, and 2011 but was unsuccessful in each of those elections. In 2015, however, Buhari made a successful comeback to the political scene, winning the presidential election as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). His victory was largely attributed to widespread dissatisfaction with the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, particularly concerning issues like corruption, economic stagnation, and the rise of Boko Haram insurgency in northern Nigeria.

Buhari's presidency focused on three key areas: fighting corruption, improving security, and revitalizing the economy. His administration made efforts to crack down on corrupt practices within government institutions, though critics argue that the anti-corruption fight was selective and often politically motivated. Buhari also prioritized the fight against Boko Haram, leading military efforts to reclaim territories taken by the insurgent group.

Buhari was re-elected in 2019, despite criticisms regarding his handling of the economy and security. His second term has been marked by continued challenges, including economic recession, inflation, and the ongoing insurgency in the North. His administration has been criticized for a perceived lack of inclusivity and slow economic reforms, but Buhari remains a significant figure in Nigerian politics.

Throughout his career, Buhari has been known for his ascetic lifestyle, nationalist views, and strong stance on law and order. His legacy is often debated, with supporters lauding his efforts against corruption and opponents criticizing his human rights record and economic management.

REFERENCE:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammadu_Buhari