The democratically elected president is a crucial figure in a democratic system, where the leader is selected by the people in regular, free, and fair elections. This process ensures that the president represents the will of the majority of the population and governs with their interests in mind. The president’s legitimacy and authority come from the support of the citizens expressed through their votes, making the role of the president a reflection of the collective voice of the people.
Here are the six democratically elected president in Nigeria
Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari GCFR
Shehu Shagari was born on February 25, 1925, in Shagari, Nigeria. He was a politician and teacher who became the first democratically elected President of Nigeria in 1979. Shagari introduced the Green Revolution, established the Federal Polytechnic program, and promoted national unity. He was known for his humble and simple leadership style. Despite facing challenges during his presidency, Shagari remained committed to democratic principles.
Chief Olusegun Matthew Okikiola Obasanjo GCFR
Olusegun Obasanjo was born on March 5, 1937, in Abeokuta, Nigeria. He is a politician and military leader who served as President from 1999 to 2007. Obasanjo introduced economic reforms, established the EFCC and ICPC, and promoted democracy in West Africa. While credited with stabilizing Nigeria’s democratic transition, his military rule was marked by human rights abuses.
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua GCFR
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was born on August 16, 1951, in Katsina, Nigeria. He became President in 2007 and introduced the 7-Point Agenda to address Nigeria’s developmental challenges. Yar’Adua established the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and worked to improve the country’s infrastructure. Unfortunately, his presidency was cut short by illness and death in 2010.
Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan GCFR GCON
Goodluck Jonathan was born on November 20, 1957, in Otuoke, Nigeria. He became President in 2011 and introduced the Transformation Agenda to promote economic growth and infrastructure development. Jonathan established the Ministry of Communications Technology and worked to improve Nigeria’s international relations. Despite facing security challenges and corruption allegations, Jonathan remained committed to democratic principles.
General Muhammadu Buhari GCFR
Muhammadu Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Nigeria. He is a politician and military leader who became President in 2015. Buhari introduced the Change Agenda to fight corruption and improve Nigeria’s economy. He launched the Social Investment Program and improved security in the Northeast. While credited with fighting corruption, Buhari’s presidency has been marked by human rights abuses and authoritarian tendencies.
Chief Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu GCFR
Bola Ahmed Tinubu was born on March 29, 1952, in Lagos, Nigeria. He is a politician and accountant who became President in 2023. He is serving as the 16th and Current President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, after serving as the Governor of Lagos State from the year 1999 to 2007.
