Nigeria’s president serves as both the country’s chief executive and head of state. The president is in charge of the executive branch and heads of the armed forces of Nigeria. In accordance with Nigeria’s Constitution of 1979, the post of the president now holds the dual responsibilities of both the country’s chief executive and its chief law enforcement officer.
Nigeria has had a total of 10 Presidents from 1979 till date. Nigeria gained her independence from British colonial rule in 1960 and has had a tumultuous political history. With multiple coups, dictatorships, and civil war, the country has undergone significant changes in leadership over the years.
This article seeks to examine the lives and legacies of Nigeria’s presidents from 1979 till date.
1 ) Shehu Shagari (1979-1983)
Shehu Shagari was the first democratically elected President of Nigeria. He was sworn in on October 1, 1979, and served until December 31, 1983, when he was overthrown by a military coup. Shagari was a prominent politician in the First Republic, serving as a federal minister and later as the President of the Senate. During Shagari’s presidency, Nigeria enjoyed relative political stability and economic growth. However, his government was accused of widespread corruption, which ultimately led to his downfall.
2) Muhammadu Buhari (1983-1985)
Muhammadu Buhari was the second military Head of State of Nigeria. He took power in a coup that overthrew Shagari in 1983. Buhari’s government was known for its strict anti-corruption stance. However, his regime was also characterized by human rights abuses, and many Nigerians felt that his government was too authoritarian. Buhari’s rule was short-lived, as he was himself overthrown in a coup in 1985 by General Ibrahim Babangida.
3 ) Ibrahim Babangida (1985-1993)
Ibrahim Babangida, popularly known as IBB, was the military ruler of Nigeria from 1985 to 1993. He took power in a coup that overthrew Buhari and immediately began a series of political and economic reforms. IBB’s government was characterized by a mixed record of economic policies and political repression. During his rule, Nigeria experienced a significant increase in oil revenue, which led to the creation of a new class of wealthy Nigerians known as the “oil barons.” However, his government also faced widespread criticism for its human rights record and the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
4) Ernest Shonekan (1993)
Ernest Shonekan was the only interim civilian President of Nigeria. He was appointed by General Ibrahim Babangida after the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was won by Moshood Abiola. Shonekan’s tenure was short-lived, as he was overthrown by General Sani Abacha in November 1993.
5) Sani Abacha (1993-1998)
Sani Abacha was the military Head of State of Nigeria from 1993 until his death in 1998. His government was characterized by widespread corruption, human rights abuses, and political repression. Abacha’s government was also responsible for the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa, a prominent environmental activist, and his colleagues, which led to international condemnation and sanctions against Nigeria.
6) Abdulsalami Abubakar (1998-1999)
Abdulsalami Abubakar was the military Head of State of Nigeria from 1998 until the return to civilian rule in 1999. He took power after the death of Sani Abacha and immediately began a process of political and economic reform.
Abubakar’s government oversaw the transition to civilian rule, with the election of Olusegun Obasanjo as the President of Nigeria.
7 ) Olusegun Obasanjo (1999 – 2007)
Olusegun Obasanjo was the first democratically elected president in Nigeria after the end of military rule in 1999. He served two terms, from 1999 to 2007. Before his election, Obasanjo had previously ruled Nigeria as a military head of state from 1976 to 1979. During his time in office as a democratic president, Obasanjo embarked on a number of reforms and initiatives that had a lasting impact on the country.
One of his major achievements was the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which was aimed at addressing the developmental challenges faced by the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
However, despite these achievements, Obasanjo’s presidency was not without its controversies. His tenure was marred by allegations of corruption, especially in relation to the privatization of government-owned enterprises. There were also concerns about his authoritarian tendencies, and his decision to amend the constitution to allow him to seek a third term in office was widely criticized.
8) Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (2007 – 2010)
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was the second democratically elected president of Nigeria, serving from 2007 until his death in 2010. He was elected on a platform of reform and his presidency was characterized by a number of significant changes in the country’s political and economic landscape. One of the most notable achievements of Yar’Adua’s presidency was the introduction of the Amnesty Programme, which was aimed at resolving the long-standing conflict in the Niger Delta region. The programme was aimed at rehabilitating and reintegrating militants into society, and it helped to reduce the levels of violence in the region. Another significant development during Yar’Adua’s presidency was the establishment of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), which was aimed at promoting the prudent management of Nigeria’s oil revenue. The SWF was designed to stabilize Nigeria’s macroeconomic environment by reducing the country’s reliance on oil exports, and promoting long-term investment in the non-oil sectors of the economy. Despite these achievements, Yar’Adua’s presidency was short-lived due to his death in office in 2010. His death created a power vacuum that was later filled by his vice-president, Goodluck Jonathan.
9) Goodluck Jonathan (2010 – 2015)
Goodluck Jonathan assumed office following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2010. During his tenure as president, Jonathan faced a lot of challenges, including the Boko Haram insurgency, which started in 2009. He also faced criticisms from some Nigerians for his inability to curb corruption and his handling of the country’s economy. However, he is also credited with some achievements, such as his efforts to improve power supply and the expansion of Nigeria’s railway system. Jonathan contested for re-election in 2015 but lost to Muhammadu Buhari. After his defeat, he accepted the results and congratulated Buhari, thus ensuring a peaceful transition of power.
10) Muhammadu Buhari (2015 – Present)
Muhammadu Buhari is the current president of Nigeria. He was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina state, Nigeria. Buhari had previously served as the military Head of State of Nigeria from 1983 to 1985 before he was overthrown in a coup. Buhari was elected as president in 2015, defeating Goodluck Jonathan in the presidential election. He was re-elected for a second term in 2019. During his tenure, Buhari has faced several challenges, including the Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings. He has also faced criticisms from some Nigerians for his handling of the country’s economy, the increased level of insecurity, and the government’s response to the #EndSARS protests. However, Buhari is also credited with some achievements, such as his efforts to fight corruption, improve power supply, and diversify the country’s economy. He has also embarked on several infrastructure projects, including the construction of new roads and railways.
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Who is the Next President of Nigeria? (2023-??)
Every Nigerian citizen is expected to exercise their political rights on Saturday 25th February 2023. The three leading candidates are Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu(APC), Atiku Abubakar(PDP), and Peter Obi(LP). Let’s ensure to cast our vote wisely and vote for the right candidate that we believe can move Nigeria forward. God bless Nigeria.
Final Thoughts
Nigeria has had a rich history of presidents since its independence in 1960. From Shehu Shagari to Muhammadu Buhari, each president has left their own mark on the country’s political landscape. The leaders have been elected and removed from power through various means including coups, impeachment, and elections. While some presidents are remembered for their contributions to national development, others are associated with corruption, human rights violations, and political instability.The role of the president in Nigeria is critical in shaping the country’s future.
Looking to the future, Nigeria needs leaders who are dedicated to improving the lives of its citizens, promoting democracy, and fighting corruption. With the challenges facing the country, it is more important than ever that the president is committed to working towards a better Nigeria, one that is prosperous, stable, and democratic. Nigeria has come a long way since its independence, and the journey to a better future is ongoing. As the country continues to evolve, it is crucial that its leaders prioritize the needs of its citizens and work towards building a stronger, more inclusive society.
