40 Interesting and Amazing Fun Facts about Muhammadu Buhari

Are you curious about the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari? As the leader of the most populous country in Africa, he has a lot of influence in the region and beyond. However, there are many interesting and lesser-known facts about him that you may not be aware of. In this article, we will share 40 fun and surprising facts about Buhari, from his personal life to his political career.

Childhood and Family Life

1. Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria.
2. His father, Hardo Adamu, was a Fulani chieftain and his mother, Zulaihat, was a Hausa.
3. He is the twenty-third child of his father, with thirteen siblings from his mother’s side.
4. Buhari was raised in a traditional Muslim household and attended Quranic schools in his early years.
5. He got married to his first wife, Safinatu Yusuf, in 1971, and they have five children together.

Education and Military Career

6. Buhari attended Katsina Provincial Secondary School, where he obtained his West African School Certificate in 1961.
7. He joined the Nigerian Army in 1962, and he attended several military courses, including the Army Mechanical Transport School in Borden, United Kingdom.
8. Buhari was appointed as the Military Governor of the newly created Northeastern State in 1975, at the age of 33.
9. He was appointed as the Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources in 1976, and he played a key role in the establishment of the Nigerian National Oil Corporation.
10. Buhari was promoted to the rank of Major General in 1980 and served as the General Officer Commanding of the 3rd Armoured Division in Jos.

Return to Civilian Life

11. Buhari retired from the army in 1985 and was appointed as the Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) by the military government.
12. He was overthrown in a coup d’etat on August 27, 1985, by General Ibrahim Babangida and was placed under house arrest for three years.
13. Buhari returned to politics in 2003 and contested in the presidential election under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) but lost to President Olusegun Obasanjo.
14. He contested again in the 2007 and 2011 elections but lost to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidates.

Political Career

15. Buhari won the presidential election in 2015 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), defeating the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.
16. He was re-elected for a second term in 2019, defeating his closest opponent, Atiku Abubakar of the PDP.
17. Buhari is the first opposition candidate to win a presidential election in Nigeria’s history.
18. He is known for his anti-corruption stance and has initiated several reforms to fight corruption in Nigeria.
19. Buhari has also been criticized for his handling of the economy and security challenges in the country.
20. His administration has been accused of human rights abuses and stifling of dissent.

Achievements and Controversies

21. Buhari launched the Social Intervention Program (SIP) in 2016, which includes initiatives such as the N-Power scheme, the Home-Grown School Feeding Program, and the Conditional Cash Transfer program, aimed at alleviating poverty in the country.
22. His administration has made progress in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast region of Nigeria.
23. Buhari has initiated several infrastructure projects, including the construction of railways, roads, and airports across the country.
24. His government has also made efforts to improve the agricultural sector, with initiatives such as the Anchor Borrowers Program and the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative.
25. However, his government has been criticized for the slow pace of implementation of some of these initiatives.

Personality and Hobbies

26. Buhari is known for his simple lifestyle and frugal habits. He is often seen wearing traditional Nigerian attire and riding in a convoy of modest vehicles.
27. He is a devout Muslim and observes regular prayers and fasts during Ramadan.
28. Buhari enjoys reading, and his favorite books include the Quran and biographies of prominent leaders.
29. He is also a keen football fan and supports the Arsenal Football Club in England.
30. Buhari is a disciplined and strict leader, with a no-nonsense approach to governance.

Legacy and Impact

31. Buhari’s anti-corruption stance has had a significant impact on Nigerian politics, with several high-profile cases of corruption being prosecuted under his administration.
32. His government has also made efforts to diversify the Nigerian economy away from oil, with a focus on agriculture and mining.
33. Buhari’s re-election in 2019 has cemented his position as a prominent figure in Nigerian politics.
34. He has been criticized for his handling of some issues, such as the recent #EndSARS protests against police brutality in Nigeria.
35. Buhari’s legacy will be shaped by his achievements and controversies, and his impact on Nigerian politics and society will be felt for years to come.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Muhammadu Buhari is a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, with a fascinating personal and political history. From his childhood in Daura to his military career and political achievements, there are many interesting facts about him that many people may not be aware of. His leadership style and policies have had a significant impact on Nigeria, and his legacy will continue to be debated and discussed for years to come.