On July 13, 2025, Nigeria lost one of its most prominent and controversial political figures—Muhammadu Buhari, former military ruler and two-term civilian president. News of his death in a London hospital at age 82 sent waves of reaction across the country. Some mourned. Others reflected. But almost everyone asked the same question: What now for Nigeria?
This isn’t just the passing of a public figure. It’s the close of a long and complicated era—an era that shaped the politics, economy, and emotions of millions of Nigerians.
🪖 The Man, The Legacy, The Debate
Buhari’s public life spanned more than four decades. He ruled Nigeria first as a military leader (1983–1985), then returned to power in 2015 as a democratically elected president, leading for two full terms until 2023.
To many, he was a symbol of discipline and simplicity. His administration expanded railways, built infrastructure, and emphasized anti-corruption (at least in rhetoric). He was admired by supporters for his modest lifestyle, military credentials, and firm tone.
But for others, Buhari’s legacy is far more complex. His government struggled with worsening insecurity, a battered economy, persistent power failures, and growing youth frustration. Critics accused his administration of selective justice, suppression of protests, and a lack of inclusive growth.
🇳🇬 What Buhari Left Behind
By the time he left office in 2023, Buhari left Nigeria at a crossroads. The country he handed over to his successor was:
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Facing a crippled economy, rising inflation, and record-high food prices
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Enduring deep insecurity—from Boko Haram in the Northeast to banditry and kidnapping in the Northwest and Middle Belt
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Experiencing growing youth frustration, brain drain (the "Japa" wave), and disillusionment
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Lacking in basic infrastructure like electricity, clean water, and stable education systems
While he was no longer in power at the time of his death, the impact of his leadership remains deeply felt.
👂🏽 Voices from the Street
“Buhari was a disciplined man, no doubt. But what we needed was a visionary leader.” – Uche, Enugu
“His promises were good, but we didn’t feel it in our daily lives.” – Ruqayyah, Ilorin
“He gave us hope in 2015. But by 2023, we were still begging for the basics—light, water, security.” – Tolu, Lagos
These sentiments are shared in taxi parks, classrooms, and living rooms across the country.
🌱 So What Now?
As Nigeria reflects on the life and times of its former president, the conversation must shift from one man to one mission: rebuilding Nigeria.
This is an opportunity for the current leadership—and the citizens—to pause, learn, and act.
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Leaders must stop chasing personal gain and start delivering real results
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Youths must stay involved: voting, organizing, running for office
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Journalists, writers, and bloggers must amplify voices, challenge power, and preserve truth
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Communities must choose unity over division
Let Buhari’s era be a teacher. Let his flaws and strengths be lessons.
🕊️ Final Thoughts
The death of Muhammadu Buhari is a moment in Nigerian history—neither to be exaggerated nor ignored. Whether you saw him as a hero, a disappointment, or something in between, one truth stands: he was part of our national journey.
But our future isn’t behind us—it’s ahead. And Nigeria still has a story to write.
Let’s write it well.
We remember Buhari. But more importantly, we remember the Nigeria he left behind—and the one we must now build.
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