Muhammadu Buhari Bio: life, legacy, wives, children, father, net worth and Nigeria’s former president (1942–2025), other updates

Muhammadu Buhari Bio: Life, Legacy, Spouses, Offspring, Father, Net worth and Nigeria’s Former President (1942–2025).

Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, one of Nigeria’s most prominent political personas, was a Nigerian leader who operated in both military and democratic roles.

Buhari was the proud parent of ten offspring from two unions. His first marriage to Safinatu Yusuf yielded five children (four daughters and one son), while his second marriage to Aisha Halilu also produced five children (four daughters and one son). Tragically, two of his children from his first union, Musa and Zulaihat, passed away prematurely. At the time of his passing, Buhari was survived by eight children: seven daughters and one son.

Spouse	Children (Survived)	Notable Aspects
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 his passing 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 offspring of his father. His father passed away when Buhari was approximately four years old, leaving him to be nurtured by his mother, Zulaihat, who played a vital role in his upbringing.

Muhammadu Buhari Education

Buhari’s education encompassed both 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 public service career spanned several decades and entailed numerous notable roles:

Military Career (1963-1985):

• Second Lieutenant, Nigerian Army (1963)
• Engaged in the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970)
• Ascended 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 tenure as Military Head of State, Buhari orchestrated a military coup that overthrew the Second Republic’s civilian administration, led by President Shehu Shagari. His military regime was characterised by discipline, a stance against corruption, and economic austerity measures. After his ousting in 1985, he moved into civilian politics, becoming a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Muhammadu Buhari Offspring

Muhammadu Buhari was a family-oriented individual who had children from his marriages. He was wed to Aisha Buhari, who held the role of Nigeria’s First Lady during his presidency from 2015 to 2019, and again from 2019 to 2023. From his various unions, Buhari had numerous children, including:

• Zulaihat Buhari
• Fatima Buhari
• Musa Buhari
• Hadiza Buhari
• Safinatu Buhari
• Halima Buhari
• Yusuf Buhari (who survived a severe 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 gatherings. Buhari was recognised as a devoted father who valued family traditions and Islamic principles in the upbringing of his children.

Muhammadu Buhari’s Net Worth

Estimating Muhammadu Buhari’s precise net worth has persistently posed challenges due to the limited public revelation of his assets. Nevertheless, based on his asset declarations as mandated by Nigerian law for public officials, his wealth was viewed as modest in contrast to many other Nigerian politicians. His declared assets included:

• Real estate in Daura, Katsina State
• Agricultural lands and livestock
• Bank accounts with relatively moderate balances
• A few luxury items or extensive business undertakings

Buhari was distinguished for his relatively simple lifestyle and his reputation for personal integrity, setting him apart from many other Nigerian political figures who amassed substantial wealth during their tenure. His modest financial profile was often perceived as evidence of his commitment to anti-corruption and personal discipline.

His Passing

Former President Muhammadu Buhari passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82, at a clinic in London, United Kingdom. According to statements from his former aide and family, he had been enduring a prolonged illness. The former president had a history of health issues and had made several medical excursions to London during his presidency, which had been a source of public concern and political debate.

The announcement of his death was made by his former spokesman, and Nigeria’s current president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, extended condolences to his family and instructed the vice president to travel to the UK to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria. The news of his passing elicited mixed reactions across Nigeria, reflecting the complex nature of his legacy and the polarized opinions regarding his leadership.