Abuja — Former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, has passed away at the age of 82. The elder statesman died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a medical facility in London, United Kingdom, following an undisclosed illness.
The announcement was made through a statement issued by his family and confirmed by his long-time media aide, Garba Shehu. The message read in part:
“Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un. 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, Amin.”
Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari was Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1983 to 1985, and later returned as a civilian president, serving two consecutive terms from 2015 to 2023.
A Soldier, a Statesman, a Controversial Patriot
President Buhari’s public life spanned over five decades, beginning with his career in the Nigerian Army, where he rose to the rank of Major General. He became Head of State on December 31, 1983, after leading a coup that ousted the civilian administration of President Shehu Shagari.
Although he was removed from office in August 1985 by General Ibrahim Babangida, Buhari remained a prominent national figure. He re-emerged in the political arena as the presidential candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and later the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), before ultimately leading the All Progressives Congress (APC) to victory in the 2015 presidential election.
As President, Buhari was widely regarded for his anti-corruption drive, infrastructural investments, and counter-insurgency efforts, though his administration also faced criticism over human rights concerns, inflation, and economic instability.
Tributes Pour In
News of Buhari’s passing has sparked a wave of tributes from within and outside Nigeria. Political leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and international observers have expressed condolences, remembering him as a disciplined, austere leader who left a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s governance history.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to issue a national broadcast, while a state funeral arrangement is anticipated in the coming days.
A Life Etched in Nigeria’s Political Landscape
President Buhari retired from active politics after leaving office in 2023 and had been largely withdrawn from public view. His Daura residence became a pilgrimage site for loyalists and admirers during festive seasons and major political events.
Despite conspiracy theories that once surrounded his health, Buhari addressed Nigerians in 2018, dismissing rumors and affirming his identity in the face of international speculation.
With his passing, Nigeria bids farewell to a figure who shaped its military and civilian leadership eras — a man seen by some as a symbol of discipline and by others as emblematic of Nigeria’s complex democratic journey.
Funeral Arrangements Pending
The presidency, in consultation with the Buhari family, is expected to announce burial plans in accordance with Islamic rites. National flags are expected to be flown at half-mast in mourning.
End of an Era.
Muhammadu Buhari, soldier and statesman, departs as one of Nigeria’s most consequential leaders — a man whose legacy will continue to stir debate for generations to come.
