| TIME IN OFFICE |
NAME OF 'RULER' |
MILITARY OR CIVILIAN & CURRENT STATUS |
| 1960-1963 |
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Prime Minister |
Civilian
Killed in future coup. |
| 1963-1966 |
President:
Nnamdi Azikiwe (Governor General) |
Civilian
Died in 1996 |
January 16, 1966
- July 29, 1966 |
Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi |
Military
Killed in future coup. |
July 29, 1966
- July 25, 1975
|
Yakubu
Gowon |
Military
Still alive (6/13/98) |
July 25, 1975
- February 13, 1976 |
Murtala Muhammed |
Killed in future coup.
(13/98) |
February 13, 1976
- September 30, 1979 |
Olusegun Obasanjo |
Military (initially) Jailed during Abacha's regime on charges of allegedly plotting against the Abacha government. Was supposed to serve a 25 year term, but after the death of Abacha, was released by Abubakar on June 15, 1998. After being released from jail, was encouraged to run for the upcoming elections, which he won in February 1999. Power was handed over to him on May 29, 1999. |
October 1, 1979 -
December 30,
1983 |
Shehu Shagari |
Civilian
Still alive (6/13/98). Was initially placed under
house arrest in future coup. |
December 31, 1983
- August 27, 1985
|
Muhammadu Buhari |
Military
Still alive |
August 27, 1985
- August 27, 1993 |
Ibrahim Babangida |
Military
Still alive |
August 27, 1993
- November 17, 1993 |
Ernest Shonekan |
Civilian
Still alive |
November 17, 1993
- June 8, 1998
|
Sani Abacha |
Military
Died of heart attack on June 8, 1998 |
June 8, 1998
- May 29, 1999 |
Abdulsalam Abubakar |
Military
Stayed in office to execute a transition
program that would lead the country back to democracy. |
May 29, 1999 -
May 29, 2007 |
Olusegun Obasanjo |
Civilian
Yes, this is the same guy that was military above.
Still
alive |
| May 29, 2007-Date |
Umaru Musa Yar'Adua |
Civilian
Still the current president of Nigeria |
