Nation Mourns as Former President Muhammadu Buhari Dies at 82

By Rafiyat Sadiq

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has died at the age of 82.

His death was confirmed on Sunday evening by his former media aide, Garba Shehu.

“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,” Shehu stated.

The nature of his illness was not disclosed. Buhari had reportedly been in London for several days receiving treatment before his passing.

A Life of Service and Leadership

Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, now part of Katsina State, Buhari was the 23rd child of his father, Mallam Hardo Adamu, a Fulani chieftain. He served as Nigeria’s military Head of State between 1984 and 1985 and returned as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023.

Throughout his presidency, Buhari’s health was often a subject of public speculation, particularly in 2017, when he spent over five months abroad receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.

Nationwide Tributes: Political Leaders Mourn

President Bola Tinubu led tributes to his predecessor, expressing deep sorrow and directing Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the UK to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria.

“President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aishat Buhari and offered his deep condolences,” said presidential aide Bayo Onanuga. Tinubu also ordered all national flags to fly at half-mast.

The former president will be buried in his hometown, Daura, on Monday.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State referred to Buhari as “a gallant soldier, patriot, and statesman”, lauding his leadership and infrastructural achievements.

“He was known for his integrity, simplicity, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress. His achievements, particularly in the area of infrastructure, continue to speak volumes. As someone with deep affection for Ogun State, he was always excited to support and commission key projects in our administration,” he said.

Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described Buhari as “disciplined and passionate”, noting his decades of sacrifice for Nigeria’s unity and progress.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan remembered Buhari as a “disciplined officer and public servant” whose selfless service will be remembered across generations.

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.

Femi Fani-Kayode, former aviation minister, expressed condolences, while former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal described Buhari as “a symbol of steadfastness and responsibility”.

He said, “As Governor of Sokoto State during his presidency, I had the opportunity to work closely with him on matters of national importance. While we belonged to different political platforms at various points, our interactions were marked by mutual respect and a shared desire for Nigeria’s progress and stability.

“President Buhari was deeply committed to the nation and remained consistent in his principles — even when those principles were unpopular.”

International  Reactions

ECOWAS President Omar Alieu Touray praised Buhari’s dedication to Nigeria’s stability. Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also expressed condolences.

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria described Buhari as “a leader whose life was defined by service, discipline, and efforts to strengthen democratic institutions.”

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who had earlier wished Buhari a speedy recovery, said she was “very sad” to learn of his death. “May the soul of HE @MBuhari rest in perfect peace,” she wrote on her official X account.

Popular Islamic scholar Mufti Menk said Buhari’s death brought him to tears, calling him “an upright man of prayer and discipline”.

Opposition Respond

PDP presidential candidate and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called Buhari “a soldier of principle and a leader of formidable will,” adding that his passing was a national tragedy.

“President Buhari was not just a former head of state; he was a symbol of Nigeria’s resilience. From the battlefield to the corridors of power, he served with the kind of austere conviction and firm belief in duty that marked him as a soldier of principle and a leader of formidable will.

“Nigeria has lost a statesman who bore the burdens of leadership in both turbulent and triumphant times and whose legacy will be remembered for generations to come,” he said

Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, described Buhari’s death as “a solemn moment for the nation”. He praised the late leader’s dignified conduct and prayed for Allah to grant him eternal rest.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also paid tribute, calling Buhari “a towering figure who typified humility and integrity”.

Buhari will be remembered for his indelible imprints on Nigeria’s political history as an elder statesman and, above all, as a great patriot.

“The ADC states that the former military ruler and president was a towering figure who typifies humility, integrity and zero tolerance for corruption.

“The party prays for strength for his loved ones and Nigerians at this moment of grief and that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings and grants him Aljana’ah Firdaus,” he said.

Mixed Reactions from the Public

While tributes poured in, reactions on social media were divided. Former Senator Shehu Sani cautioned Nigerians against speaking ill of the dead.

Some Nigerians, however, disagreed. Social media users criticised Buhari’s legacy, citing alleged failures in governance. One user wrote, “The evil that men do lives after them.” Another said, “Buhari deserves every ill spoken of him and then some.”

Final Journey

As preparations begin for Buhari’s burial in Daura on Monday, tributes continue to pour in from across Nigeria and around the world. While his legacy remains debated, his influence on the country’s political history is undeniable.

May his soul rest in peace.