Former President Muhammadu Buhari Dies in London
The news of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has triggered a mixed range of emotions among Nigerians.
His death was confirmed and announced by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on Sunday, July 13th, 2025.
The spokesperson wrote in a post on X, “The family has announced the passing of the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, this afternoon, in a clinic in London.”
According to findings, the past President had been in London since April, receiving medical treatment in an undisclosed facility, where he eventually passed away.
He was laid to rest on Monday, the 14th of July, in his hometown, Daura town in Katsina State.
From Military Officer to President: Muhammadu Buhari’s Political Journey
Muhammadu Buhari, aged 82 years, was a prominent Nigerian politician who served as the president of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023. It is impossible to talk about the history of Nigeria without mentioning his name a good number of times.
He was sworn in as President on 29 May 2015 and re-elected for a second term in 2019 with several promises to fight corruption, combat insecurity in Nigeria, and alleviate poverty in Nigeria. Unfortunately, his tenure was plagued with severe economic hardship, worsening insecurity amongst many others which could be a reason why some Nigerians seem indifferent or why some are even celebrating over the death of the former president.
Mr. Buhari’s journey through the political world was quite noteworthy. He was appointed military governor of the North-Eastern state, which is now known as Borno state, after being involved in the military coup against Yakubu Gowon’s government in 1975. In 1976, the military head of state, General Olusegun Obasanjo, appointed him federal commissioner for petroleum resources.
In 1977, he became the military secretary at Supreme Military Headquarters, which was the seat of government at the time. By September 1979, he returned to regular army duties and headed a division in Kaduna.
He then came into power fully in 1983, becoming the new head of state following a military coup against President Shehu Shagari’s government. His rulership at the time was known for this zealous fight against corruption, tagged “War Against Indiscipline.” Folks who lived through that period report that it was the time when Nigeria was most organized and disciplined.
He was then overthrown in a coup by General Ibrahim Babangida in 1985. He resurfaced again in the 1990s when he was appointed the chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund under General Sanni Abacha’s regime.
After Nigeria returned to democracy, he joined various political parties and ran for president in 2003, 2007 and 2011. He, however, lost in all the years. He eventually emerged victorious in 2015 when he became the first opposition candidate to defeat a sitting president.
His passing has been met with tributes and condolences from different prominent figures in Nigeria.
President Tinubu Declares National Mourning Over Buhari’s Death
The current president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declared a week of mourning with all flags to be flown at half-mast across the country. In his official statement, President Tinubu acknowledged Buhari’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria. He described the past president as “a patriot, a soldier, and a statesman”.
He commended him for his discipline and dedication to ensuring unity and stability in the nation while noting his significant contributions to Nigeria, particularly in the fight against corruption and the reform of critical infrastructure. He also offered his condolences to Buhari’s wife and ordered his vice president, Shettima, to travel to London to accompany the body back to Nigeria.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also sent his condolences while expressing his sadness and stating that Buhari has passed away at a time when his experience is needed the most to direct the affairs of the country. In his statement, he said:
“It is with a heavy heart that I received this afternoon the passing to glory of a colleague, a comrade, a co-patriot, General Muhammadu Buhari, who played his role as a soldier; he played an administrator; as a staterole as a statesman.
His demise comes at a time like this that we need the totality of the experience and what I may call statesmanship of all of those who have had the opportunity to run the affairs of this country in the past to get us out of the situation we are in. He will be sorely missed, and may his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Another past President, Goodluck Jonathan, described the late leader as someone who “was selfless in his commitment to his duty and served the country with character and a deep sense of patriotism“. In his statement, he said: “In his passing, Nigeria has lost one of its foremost leaders, and I have lost a respected colleague and elder. His legacy will continue to endure in the hearts of all who value sacrifice, integrity, perseverance and devotion to national ethos.”
Peter Obi acknowledged the gravity of the moment, stating it was “a time for solemn national reflection, not just for his family, but for all Nigerians.”
Former Minister Isa Pantami wrote on X: “The eyes shed tears, and the heart is grieved, but we do not say anything except what pleases our Lord. O Baba Buhari, we are grieved by your separation. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and admit him into Jannatul Firdaus.”
Mixed Reactions Trail Muhammadu Buhari’s Death on Social Media
Loyalists and some others remembered Buhari as “Mai Gaskiya,” which means “the truthful person,” which represents what he was known for, his integrity and personal discipline.
Outside the condolences and tributes, several Nigerians have taken to social media to express their opinions on the death of the former president. Many, especially the youths, are recalling the significant failures of his administration, including the 2020 Lekki Toll Gate massacre, infamous Twitter ban, worsening insecurity, economic hardships, among many others.
An actor, Emeka Nwagbaraocha, posted on X: “Anyway, nobody should say respect the dead. Allow people to process it the way they wish. A wicked Man through and through. Didn’t care about this country! Do you guys remember how he reacted after the EndSars Massacre? Yup! Wicked man!”
One social media commentator also said: “Buhari’s govts made life difficult for Nigerians; we suffered in more ways than one, including me. That’s all I remember.”
Several comments are pouring in from citizens to express their utter disdain and anger towards Buhari and his administration, indicating that even in death, Nigerians never forget.
As the nation mourns the death of one of her leaders, we are reminded of the strong and lasting impact leaders have on their followers, whether positive or negative.
Buhari’s legacy may never be agreed upon, and history will never forget him. The question is, how will you choose to remember him?
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