Shagari, Alhaji Shehu

views updated

Alhaji Shehu Shagari, 1925–, president of Nigeria (1979–83). In 1978 he helped form the National party, and his subsequent election as president marked the end of 13 years of military rule in Nigeria. Continued economic problems and government corruption eventually led to his overthrow (1983) and the installation of a military government led by Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.