Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, has died at the age of 82. His death was confirmed on Sunday afternoon by his longtime spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu.
According to Shehu, Buhari passed away at a clinic in the United Kingdom where he had been receiving medical attention. A brief family statement released through Shehu reads:
“The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus.”
Buhari, a retired Major General, was a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political and military history. Born on December 17, 1942, he first rose to national prominence when he served as Nigeria’s Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985, following a military coup that overthrew the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari.
Decades later, Buhari made a historic comeback to civilian politics. After unsuccessful presidential bids in 2003, 2007, and 2011, he eventually won the 2015 presidential election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). His victory over incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan marked the first peaceful transition of power from one Nigerian president to another in opposition.
Reelected in 2019, Buhari served two terms before leaving office in May 2023. During his tenure, he prioritized anti-corruption efforts, infrastructure expansion, agricultural reforms, and national security—although critics often accused his administration of authoritarian tendencies and uneven governance.
Between his military and political careers, Buhari also served as Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) under General Sani Abacha’s regime in the 1990s, where he oversaw major public infrastructure projects.
Widely respected for his personal discipline and ascetic lifestyle, Buhari was a symbol of military-era leadership, yet remained influential in civilian politics until his death.
He was the recipient of several national and military honours, including the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), Defence Service Medal, Forces Service Star, and the Global Seal of Integrity.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across Nigeria and beyond, with political leaders, traditional rulers, and foreign dignitaries acknowledging Buhari’s decades of public service and his impact on the nation’s democratic evolution.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a separate statement, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, directing that all national flags be flown at half-mast for seven days and summoning an emergency Federal Executive Council session to honour the late statesman.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days by the Buhari family and the federal government. As of press time, the remains of the former president are expected to be repatriated from the United Kingdom for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
