1. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, 1960 – 1966 (North-East): Nigeria’s first Prime Minister. A respected leader who worked towards unifying Nigeria’s diverse regions. His government was overthrown in the first military coup of 1966.
2. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, 1963 -1966 (South East): A prominent nationalist and key figure in the struggle for Nigerian independence. He played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s transition to a republic.
3. Major-General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, January 16 – July 29, 1966 (South-East) First Military Head of State. He led the military junta that took power after the 1966 coup. His rule was short-lived as he was assassinated in another coup.
4. General Yakubu Gowon, 1966 – 1975 (North Central) He led Nigeria through the Civil War (1967-1970). Oversaw efforts to reunify Nigeria after the Civil War. His rule came to an end in a bloodless coup.
5. General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, 1975 – 1976 (North West): Known for his anti-corruption efforts and reforms. Implemented policies to combat corruption and initiated various reforms. An assassination ended his rule.
5. General Olusegun Obasanjo, 1976 – 1979 (South West): Took over after the assassination of Gen. Mohammed. Handed over power to a civilian government in 1979, marking the end of military rule during his first tenure.
6. Shehu Shagari, 1979 – 1983 ( North West) First Executive President. The first elected civilian president of Nigeria. His presidency was marked by economic challenges and ended in a military coup.
7. Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, 1983 – 1985 (North West): He led a military coup against Shagari’s government. Implemented strict economic and anti-corruption measures during his brief rule.
8. General Ibrahim Babangida, 1985 – 1993 (North Central): His regime saw economic liberalization and political transition programs. Babangida oversaw a prolonged period of military rule and initiated a transition to civilian rule.
9. Chief Ernest Shonekan, August 26 – November 17, 1993 (South West): He served as Interim President.
Appointed to oversee a transition to civilian rule but was quickly ousted by General Sani Abacha.
10. General Sani Abacha, 1993 – 1998 (North West): He ruled with an iron fist and faced international isolation. Abacha was known for his authoritarian rule and human rights abuses. His death in 1998 marked the end of his regime.
11. General Abdulsalami Abubakar, 1998 – 1999 (North Central): He facilitated the return to civilian rule and held elections that led to the presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo.
12. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, 1999 – 2007 (South West):
Nigeria’s first civilian president after the return to democracy. His tenure focused on economic reforms and addressing corruption issues.
13. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, 2007 – 2010 (North West): He was known for the “Seven-Point Agenda” and health challenges. His presidency was aimed at addressing various challenges, but he faced prolonged illness before his death.
14. Dr Goodluck Jonathan, 2010 – 2015 (South-South): He ascended to the presidency after Yar’Adua’s death. Goodluck focused on electoral reforms and addressing security challenges during his tenure.
15. Muhammadu Buhari, 2015 – 2023 (North West): Buhari returned to the presidency through elections. His term has been marked by efforts to combat corruption, address security challenges, and stimulate economic growth.
16. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 2023 – Present (South West) Bola Tinubu won one of the most controversial elections in Nigeria. The election is widely believed by many as not credible enough.
President Tinubu’s administration has been championing economic reforms geared at reviving the economy and job creation.
