The Surprising Rise of Muhammadu Buhari: How He Became Nigeria’s Political Game-Changer in Just Five Years

Introduction:
Muhammadu Buhari is a name that has been on the lips of many Nigerians in recent years. He has been able to pull off political feats that many thought were impossible. From being a military ruler in the 1980s to becoming president in 2015, Buhari’s story is one that is filled with twists and turns. In this blog post, we will explore the factors that led to his rise to power, and how he managed to become Nigeria’s political game-changer in just five years.

Section 1: Buhari’s Early Life and Military Career
Muhammadu Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria. He joined the Nigerian Army in 1961, and he was trained in Pakistan, the UK, and Nigeria. Buhari’s rise through the ranks was quite impressive, and he eventually became the Commander of the 3rd Armored Division of the Nigerian Army. He later served as the Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources. Buhari’s military career was cut short when he was overthrown in a coup on August 27, 1985.

Section 2: The Road to Democracy and Buhari’s Political Party
After a failed attempt at the presidency in 2003 and 2007, Buhari formed his own political party, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), in 2010. The CPC eventually merged with three other opposition parties to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013. This was the party that Buhari rode to power in 2015.

Section 3: The Presidential Campaign of 2015
Buhari’s campaign was based on three main themes; improving security, tackling corruption, and reviving the economy. He was able to use his reputation as a no-nonsense military man to appeal to Nigerians tired of the corrupt practices prevalent in the country.

Section 4: The Victory at the Polls and Inauguration as President
In the 2015 presidential election, Buhari defeated the incumbent President, Goodluck Jonathan. This was the first time an incumbent had been defeated in Nigeria’s history. On May 29, 2015, Buhari was inaugurated as Nigeria’s 5th democratic president.

Section 5: Buhari’s Anti-Corruption Crusade
Soon after his inauguration, Buhari launched an anti-corruption campaign that targeted senior government officials and private individuals. This campaign led to the recovery of stolen funds and the prosecution of corrupt individuals. Critics, however, accused the government of targeting only opposition members and not going after corrupt officials in their party.

Section 6: Challenges and Criticisms
Buhari’s administration has faced a lot of challenges and criticisms. The economy has been in recession, and the country has been plagued by insecurity, with Boko Haram and other terrorist groups carrying out attacks. Buhari’s health has also been a cause for concern, with him spending extended periods of time abroad for treatment.

Section 7: The Road Ahead
With the 2019 election coming up, Buhari will be seeking another term in office. The opposition has been vocal in criticizing his administration, but Buhari’s supporters point to his achievements in the fight against corruption and improved security in some parts of the country. It remains to be seen whether Buhari will be able to pull off another victory at the polls.

FAQs:

Q1. What were the main issues Buhari campaigned on in the 2015 presidential election?
A. Buhari campaigned on three main themes, improving security, tackling corruption, and reviving the economy.

Q2. What political party did Buhari form in 2010?
A. Buhari formed the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in 2010.

Q3. How many times did Buhari run for president before 2015?
A. Buhari ran for president in 2003 and 2007 before 2015.

Q4. What is the name of the party that Buhari rode to power in 2015?
A. Buhari rode to power on the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket in 2015.

Q5. What was Buhari’s military career like before he joined politics?
A. Buhari rose through the ranks to become the Commander of the 3rd Armored Division of the Nigerian Army.

Q6. What was the outcome of the 2015 presidential election in Nigeria?
A. Buhari defeated the incumbent President, Goodluck Jonathan.

Q7. What has been the focus of Buhari’s anti-corruption campaign?
A. Buhari’s anti-corruption campaign has targeted senior government officials and private individuals.

Conclusion:
Muhammadu Buhari’s story is one of resilience and determination. From being overthrown in a military coup to becoming Nigeria’s president, he has shown that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. Buhari’s administration has been marked by successes and challenges, and his quest for another term in office will determine whether he will continue to be Nigeria’s political game-changer.