Nigeria, often called the giant of Africa, has a rich history shaped by its leaders. From the early days of independence in 1960 to the present, the nation has witnessed the leadership of 15 distinguished individuals who have left an indelible mark on its trajectory. Let’s dive into the list of Nigerian presidents from 1960 till today, celebrating the diverse leaders who have guided the nation.

Nigeria, a prominent African nation, has witnessed the leadership of 16 individuals since gaining independence in 1960. From the ceremonial presidency of Nnamdi Azikiwe to the current leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, each leader has left an indelible mark on the country’s political landscape.

Names Of Nigeria President From 1960 Till Date

Below are the past Nigerian presidents from 1960 till date (2023) :

• Azikiwe Nnamdi (1 October 1963 to 16 January 1966)
• General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi (16 January 1966 to 29 July 1966)
• General Yakubu Gowon (1 August 1966 to 29 July 1975)
• General Murtala Mohammed (29 July 1975 to 13 February 1976)
• General Obasanjo Olusegun (13 February 1976 to 1 October 1979)
• President Shehu Shagari (1 October 1979 to 31 December 1983)
• General Muhammadu Buhari (31 December 1983 to 27 August 1985)
• General Ibrahim Babangida (27 August 1985 to 26 August 1993)
• Ernest Shonekan (26 August 1993 to 17 November 1993)
• General Sani Abacha (17 November 1993 to 8 June 1998)
• General Abdulsalami Abubakar (8 June 1998 to 29 May 1999)
• Olusegun Obasanjo (29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007)
• Umaru Musa Yar Adua (29 May 2007 to 5 May 2010)
• Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (29 May 2010 to 29 May 2015)
• President Muhammadu Buhari (From 2015 to 2023)
• Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Current president)

Above is a list of the names of all the presidents of Nigeria since independence. For more information about these leaders, I recommend you keep reading as I disclose more about each of the abovementioned names.

1. Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (1960-66)

From 1960 to the present, the names of Nigerian presidents begin with Balewa. He served as Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister after the country gained independence in 1960 and was reelected in 1964. He was deposed and murdered in the January 15, 1966, military coup, along with many other leaders, including Sir Ahmadu Bello.

2. Nnamdi Azikiwe (1963-1966)

Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first ceremonial president during the first republic, served from 1963 to 1966. His leadership marked the early years of the nation’s independence.

3. Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi (1966)

Following a failed coup, Aguiyi-Ironsi assumed the role of military head of state in 1966. Unfortunately, his tenure was short-lived, ending in a counter-coup within six months.

4. Yakubu Gowon (1966-1975)

Gowon, Nigeria’s longest-serving head of state, led the nation through a tumultuous period, including the Biafran War. His nine-year rule came to an end with an overthrow and exile.

5. Murtala Mohammed (1975-1976)

Muhammed’s leadership began with overthrowing Gowon while attending an OAU summit. Tragically, his tenure was cut short by an ambush, leading to his untimely death in 1976.

6. Olusegun Obasanjo (1976-1979)

Assuming office due to Murtala’s assassination, Obasanjo faced challenges but managed to steer the nation. His term laid the groundwork for future leaders.

7. Shehu Shagari (1979-1983)

Shagari, Nigeria’s first democratically elected president, won two terms but was overthrown in a military coup led by Muhammadu Buhari in 1983.

8. Muhammadu Buhari (1983-1985)

Buhari’s ascension to power through a military coup marked the end of the Second Republic. His leadership style aimed at addressing corruption and restoring discipline.

9. Ibrahim Babangida (1985-1993)

Babangida’s coup led to the ousting of Buhari. His era witnessed significant political and economic changes, including introducing structural adjustment programs.

10. Ernest Shonekan (1993)

Shonekan briefly led the Interim National Government after the annulment of the June 12 elections. His term was a transitional phase, leading to the subsequent military takeover.

11. Sani Abacha (1993-1998)

Abacha, a key figure in a successful coup, assumed power and held a tight grip on the nation. His rule ended with his mysterious death in the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

12. Abdulsalami Abubakar (1998-1999)

Following Abacha’s demise, Abubakar was the de facto president, overseeing a transition to civilian rule and elections.

13. Olusegun Obasanjo (1999-2007)

Obasanjo returned, this time as a democratically elected president. His tenure focused on socio-economic development, but his “Third Term Agenda” faced opposition.

14. Umaru Musa Yar Adua (2007-2010)

Yar’Adua’s presidency faced health challenges, and his untimely death led to the succession of Goodluck Jonathan, who completed his term.

15. Goodluck Jonathan (2010-2015)

Jonathan’s notable gesture of conceding the 2015 election to Muhammadu Buhari showcased his commitment to democratic principles.

16. Muhammadu Buhari (2015-2023)

Buhari’s historic win in 2015 marked the first time an incumbent president was defeated in Nigeria. His leadership aimed at addressing corruption and fostering development.

17. Bola Ahmed Tinubu (2023-Till Date)

Tinubu, the current president, assumed office after Buhari’s tenure. His recent cabinet changes reflect his commitment to shaping Nigeria’s future.

Conclusion

The list of Nigerian Presidents from 1960 till date is a testament to the nation’s resilience and commitment to democratic governance. Each leader’s unique challenges and accomplishments has shaped Nigeria’s history.

FAQs

Who was Nigeria’s first ceremonial president?

During the first republic, Nnamdi Azikiwe served as Nigeria’s first ceremonial president from 1963 to 1966.

Which president faced a counter coup within six months?

Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi faced a counter-coup within six months of assuming the role of military head of state in 1966.

Who led Nigeria through the Biafran War?

General Yakubu Gowon served as Nigeria’s head of state during the Biafran War from 1966 to 1975.

Which president initiated the “Third Term Agenda”?

Olusegun Obasanjo initiated the “Third Term Agenda” during his presidency from 1999 to 2007.

Who conceded the 2015 presidential election to Muhammadu Buhari?

Goodluck Jonathan, the sitting president then, conceded the 2015 presidential election to Muhammadu Buhari, showcasing a rare act of honour in Nigerian politics.