Muhammadu Buhari Bio: Life, Legacy, Wives, Children, Father, Net worth and Nigeria’s Former President (1942–2025).
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, one of Nigeria’s most significant political figures, was a Nigerian president who served in both military and democratic capacities.
Buhari was the proud father of ten children from two marriages. His first marriage to Safinatu Yusuf produced five children (four daughters and one son), while his second marriage to Aisha Halilu also produced five children (four daughters and one son). Sadly, two of his children from his first marriage, Musa and Zulaihat, passed away at a young age. At the time of his death, Buhari was survived by eight children: seven daughters and one son.
| Wife | Children (Survived) | Notable Details |
| Safinatu Yusuf | 3 daughters, 0 sons | Two children (Musa, Zulaihat) are deceased |
| Aisha Halilu | 3 daughters, zero sons | All survived |
Buhari Age
Muhammadu Buhari was 82 years old at the time of his death on July 13, 2025.
Muhammadu Date of Birth
Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria.
Who is the Biological Father of President Buhari?
Muhammadu Buhari’s biological father was Mallam Hardo Adamu, a Fulani chief in Daura, Katsina State. Buhari was the 23rd child of his father. His father passed away when Buhari was about four years old, leaving him to be raised by his mother, Zulaihat, who played a crucial role in his upbringing.
Muhammadu Buhari Education
Buhari’s education combined local and international military training:
- Primary/Secondary: Educated in Katsina, Nigeria
- Military Training:
- Nigerian Military Training College, Kaduna (1961)
- Mons Officer Cadet School, Aldershot, UK (1962–1963)
- Nigerian Military College, Kaduna (Platoon Commanders’ Course, 1963–1964)
- Mechanical Transport Officers’ Course, Borden, UK (1965)
- Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, India (1973)
- United States Army War College, Pennsylvania (1979–1980)
Muhammadu Buhari Previous Offices
Buhari’s career in public service spanned several decades and included numerous significant positions:
Military Career (1963-1985):
- Second Lieutenant, Nigerian Army (1963)
- Participated in the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970)
- Rose through various military ranks to become a Major General
- Military Head of State of Nigeria (December 31, 1983 – August 27, 1985)
Post-Military Career:
- Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) under General Sani Abacha’s regime (1994-1999)
- Presidential candidate in the 2003, 2007, and 2011 elections
- President of Nigeria (May 29, 2015 – May 29, 2023)
During his time as Military Head of State, Buhari led a military coup that overthrew the Second Republic’s civilian government, led by President Shehu Shagari. His military administration was characterised by discipline, an anti-corruption stance, and economic austerity measures. After being overthrown in 1985, he transitioned to civilian politics, becoming a key figure in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
Muhammadu Buhari Children
Muhammadu Buhari was a family man who had children from his marriages. He was married to Aisha Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s First Lady during his presidency from 2015 to 2019, and again from 2019 to 2023. From his various marriages, Buhari had several children, including:
- Zulaihat Buhari
- Fatima Buhari
- Musa Buhari
- Hadiza Buhari
- Safinatu Buhari
- Halima Buhari
- Yusuf Buhari (who survived a serious motorcycle accident in 2017)
- Zahra Buhari-Indimi
His children have largely maintained relatively private lives, with some occasionally appearing in public alongside their father during official ceremonies and family events. Buhari was known to be a devoted father who valued family traditions and Islamic principles in raising his children.
Muhammadu Buhari’s Net Worth
Estimating Muhammadu Buhari’s exact net worth has been and remains challenging due to the limited public disclosure of his assets. However, based on his asset declarations as required by Nigerian law for public officials, his wealth was considered modest compared to that of many other Nigerian politicians. His declared assets included:
- Properties in Daura, Katsina State
- Farms and livestock
- Bank accounts with relatively modest balances
- Few luxury items or extensive business investments
Buhari was known for his relatively simple lifestyle and his reputation for personal integrity, which distinguished him from many other Nigerian political figures who accumulated vast wealth during their time in office. His modest financial profile was often seen as evidence of his commitment to anti-corruption and personal discipline.
His Death
Former President Muhammadu Buhari died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82, at a clinic in London, United Kingdom. According to his former aide and family statements, he had been suffering from a prolonged illness. The former president had a history of health challenges and had made several medical trips to London during his presidency, which had been a source of public concern and political controversy.
His death was announced by his former spokesman, and Nigeria’s current president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, offered condolences to his family and ordered the vice president to travel to the UK to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria. The announcement of his death was met with mixed reactions across Nigeria, reflecting the complex nature of his legacy and the polarised views about his leadership.
