Nigeria's Muhammadu Buhari
- Born in Daura in Katsina State, northeastern Nigeria, in Decemer 1942; he's 72
- Educated at the Nigerian Defense Academy, he received further military training in India, Britain and at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania (1979-1980)
- Rose to the rank of major general in the Nigerian Army
- Served as Nigera's military ruler for about 20 months from 1983 to 1985 before being forced out in a military coup
- Lost last three elections: in 2003, 2007 and 2011
- Voiced support this year for Nigerians to observe the religion of their choice; he's a practicing Muslim
- Considered an anti-corruption leader
- Ran campaign promising to end Boko Haram's insurgency and survived a suspected Boko Haram assassination attempt in July 2014
Sources: News reports, Reuters