Muhammadu Buhari became Head of State on December 31, 1983, following a military coup that overthrew the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari. As Head of State, Buhari projected strict discipline and enforced policies with little tolerance for dissent. Less than 20 months later, on August 27, 1985, he was removed from power in a bloodless palace coup. Buhari’s rigid leadership style, the way he managed the military, and the growing internal discontent within the armed forces all contributed to the loss of confidence in his regime.
The Leadership Style That Shaped Buhari’s Regime
Centralised Command and Authoritarian Approach
Buhari’s leadership was highly centralised. Decision-making was concentrated at the top, and consultation with other military officers was minimal. This approach, while intended to enforce discipline and maintain order, gradually isolated him from the officer corps. The lack of inclusive decision-making created tension and limited the military’s ability to act cohesively.
EXPLORE NOW: Military Era & Coups in Nigeria
Strict Enforcement and Draconian Measures
Under Buhari, the military government implemented strict measures to enforce compliance. A series of decrees granted the state broad powers, allowing detention without trial and restriction of civil liberties. These actions reflected the regime’s uncompromising approach to governance, but they also alienated officers who felt that such rigidity undermined morale and unity within the military.
Rising Tensions Within the Military
Fragmented Command Structure
By 1985, tensions had grown within the armed forces. Many officers perceived Buhari’s leadership as overly personalised and isolated from the broader command structure. This perception weakened cohesion among senior and middle-ranking officers, which had been crucial to the stability of the 1983 takeover.
Pressure from Officers
Junior and mid-level officers increasingly viewed the regime as disconnected from both the realities faced by soldiers and the hardships experienced by the public. The strict enforcement of discipline, while effective in maintaining order, was seen as inflexible and punitive, leading to growing dissatisfaction and concern for the military’s reputation.
Economic Hardship and Public Discontent
Worsening Conditions
During Buhari’s tenure, Nigeria faced significant economic challenges, including shortages of essential goods, foreign exchange difficulties, and high inflation. These economic pressures intensified dissatisfaction within the military, as officers feared that ongoing hardship could compromise the institution’s credibility and stability.
Disconnect Between Discipline and Progress
Programs such as the War Against Indiscipline aimed to instill public order, but improvements in living standards were limited. The strict focus on compliance without addressing deeper economic and social problems reinforced perceptions that the leadership’s approach was rigid and disconnected from the realities faced by both the public and the military.
The Culmination: Loss of Support
The combination of internal dissatisfaction, concerns about national stability, and the perception that cohesion within the armed forces was at risk created conditions for a leadership change. Officers agreed that Buhari’s rigid leadership style had undermined confidence and limited the military’s ability to act as a unified institution. This loss of support set the stage for a bloodless transfer of power on August 27, 1985
EXPLORE: Nigerian Civil War
Lessons from Buhari’s Tenure
Buhari’s tenure demonstrates how rigid leadership, even when intended to enforce discipline, can erode confidence and cohesion within a hierarchical institution such as the military. Leadership legitimacy depends not only on authority but also on adaptability, collaboration, and the ability to maintain trust across ranks. The events of 1985 illustrate that even a disciplined regime can falter if internal support is compromised.
Author’s Note
Muhammadu Buhari’s military tenure from 1983 to 1985 offers a vital lesson in leadership. While strict discipline and uncompromising policies may maintain order, they can also alienate key officers and weaken internal cohesion. The loss of confidence among military personnel under Buhari’s rigid approach ultimately led to his removal in 1985. This account highlights the importance of balancing authority with adaptability, demonstrating that institutional trust and collaboration are essential for sustaining leadership in any disciplined organization.
References
Testimony and historical accounts of military rule in Nigeria between 1983 and 1985
Analyses of Buhari’s leadership style and policies
Historical records of decrees and the War Against Indiscipline
