A new three-volume biography of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is set to examine his military career, political struggles, eight years in office and the controversies that shaped his place in Nigeria’s history.
The publication, titled *Muhammadu Buhari: The Authorised Biography*, will be formally presented in Abuja on November 19, following more than two years of research, interviews and examination of historical documents.
The Planning Committee and May Publishing Ltd. announced the forthcoming launch at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday, November 11.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Suleiman Adamu, said the publication was intended to provide a detailed historical record of Buhari’s life and leadership while encouraging a broader understanding of Nigeria’s political development.
He noted that Buhari’s public career covered several distinct periods in the country’s history, taking him from military service and government appointments to military leadership, political opposition and democratic presidency.
Buhari served as Nigeria’s military Head of State between 1983 and 1985 before returning to civilian politics and eventually winning the presidential election in 2015. He was re-elected in 2019 and completed his two constitutional terms in May 2023.
Adamu said the former president’s political journey, including his years in government, removal from power, detention and eventual return to elected office, made his life an important subject for historical research.
He encouraged universities, libraries, research institutions and public agencies to acquire the books, describing them as valuable resources for preserving Nigeria’s political and institutional history.
He also urged younger Nigerians to examine the publication with open minds and assess its contents through documented evidence rather than preconceived opinions about the former president.
Three volumes to examine different stages of Buhari’s life
Chief Biographer Dr Udu Yakubu said the project was developed through more than two years of research, interviews, writing and documentary reviews.
He explained that the publication was divided into three volumes to provide a detailed account of Buhari’s personal background, military experience, political career and presidential administration.
The books are titled *The Phenomenon*, *The Presidency* and *The Reckoning*.
The first volume, *The Phenomenon*, traces Buhari’s childhood in Daura, Katsina State, his military education and career, participation in the Nigerian Civil War and emergence as military Head of State in December 1983.
It also examines his removal from power in August 1985, subsequent detention and eventual return to democratic politics.
The second volume, *The Presidency*, focuses on his administration between 2015 and 2023, examining major government policies, decisions, achievements, challenges and controversies during his eight years in office.
The final volume, *The Reckoning*, assesses his broader legacy, covering security, economic management, infrastructure, anti-corruption efforts, governance, foreign relations, social policies and national unity.
Buhari authorised biography before his death
Yakubu disclosed that Buhari personally authorised the biography while alive, giving the research team access to individuals, personal recollections and documentary materials connected to his life and administration.
However, the biographer maintained that the former president’s involvement did not determine the conclusions reached in the books.
He said his responsibility was to reconstruct Buhari’s life as comprehensively as possible, allowing historical evidence, events and their consequences to shape the narrative.
The research team interviewed people who worked with the former president at different stages of his public career and examined official documents, speeches, reports and other historical records.
Yakubu said conflicting accounts were subjected to further verification, while issues that could not be conclusively established were presented with appropriate caution.
He explained that the publication was not intended to portray Buhari exclusively as a successful leader or condemn his administration, but to provide a balanced account of his public life.
Buhari’s presidency remains a subject of national debate
Buhari’s eight-year presidency remains one of the most debated periods in Nigeria’s recent political history.
He entered office in May 2015 after defeating incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, becoming the first opposition candidate in Nigeria’s democratic era to defeat a sitting president at the ballot box.
His administration placed considerable emphasis on fighting corruption, tackling insecurity and improving infrastructure.
Major projects and policy initiatives included railway development, road construction, the Second Niger Bridge, social investment programmes and efforts to expand agricultural production.
However, his government also faced sustained criticism over economic difficulties, rising living costs, unemployment, insecurity and concerns about the effectiveness of its anti-corruption campaign.
The administration’s handling of security challenges, particularly the Boko Haram insurgency, banditry and kidnappings, also generated considerable public debate.
These contrasting assessments have continued to influence discussions about Buhari’s political legacy since he left office in May 2023.
Buhari died in London on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82. His death was announced by President Bola Tinubu, who subsequently directed that national flags be flown at half-mast in his honour.
The forthcoming biography is therefore expected to contribute to continuing discussions about his place in Nigeria’s political and institutional history.
Yakubu said the three volumes should not be regarded as the final judgement on Buhari’s life, but as a historical contribution that would allow researchers, students and future generations to examine his leadership through documented accounts.
The public presentation is scheduled for November 19 in Abuja.
