How Muhammadu Buhari Became Head of State and Who Stood by Him

How Muhammadu Buhari Became Head of State and Who Stood by Him

On December 31, 1983, Nigeria’s Second Republic came to an abrupt end.
President Shehu Shagari was overthrown in a military coup, fueled by growing frustration over corruption, economic decline, and disputed elections.
The nation, which had once celebrated a return to civilian rule, found itself back under the control of soldiers.

From the ranks of the disciplined military leadership, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, then commander of the Army’s Third Armored Division in Jos, emerged as the man chosen to lead.
He was appointed Head of State and Chairman of the Supreme Military Council, tasked with restoring order to a country he and his colleagues believed was drifting into chaos.

Buhari’s government became known for strict enforcement of civic discipline and anti-corruption measures, introducing austerity programs and the famous War Against Indiscipline (WAI).
These policies reflected his determination to reshape a nation struggling with decades of mismanagement.

Standing firmly beside him was Major General Tunde Idiagbon, his deputy, formally titled Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters. Idiagbon, known for his stern character, was instrumental in shaping and enforcing the regime’s policies, becoming the backbone of Buhari’s efforts to instill accountability and public order.

Together, Buhari and Idiagbon symbolized a military government that believed in discipline above all, leaving a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s political history, even if their time in power was cut short by another coup in 1985.

Key Facts:
• Dec 31, 1983: Buhari becomes Head of State after Shagari is overthrown
• Deputy: Major General Tunde Idiagbon (Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters)
• Notable Policies: War Against Indiscipline, anti-corruption initiatives, strict governance
• End of Tenure: August 27, 1985, when Buhari is overthrown by Babangida

Nigeria’s story during these years reminds us of the turbulent path between military and civilian rule, and the complex legacies of leaders who sought to enforce change through discipline.