Former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, has died at the age of 82. The former leader passed away in London after battling a long illness, sources close to the family confirmed on Sunday afternoon.
According to a brief statement released by Buhari’s family and confirmed by Nigeria’s presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu, the late president died peacefully at a medical facility in the UK, where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness over the past few months.
His body is expected to be flown back to Nigeria for final funeral rites. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has since ordered flags across the country to fly at half-mast in honour of the late statesman and declared seven days of national mourning.
🧔♂️ Who Was Muhammadu Buhari?
Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari first came to power in 1983 as a military ruler after overthrowing the civilian government. He was later ousted in 1985. Decades later, he returned to politics and made history in 2015 when he became the first opposition candidate in Nigeria to defeat an incumbent president, winning the seat from Goodluck Jonathan.
He was re-elected in 2019 and served until May 2023, completing two constitutional terms.
Buhari’s time in office was defined by several major themes:
- Anti-Corruption Drive: Buhari launched strong anti-corruption campaigns, promising to rid Nigeria of corrupt public officials. While his government made arrests and recovered funds, critics argued the fight was selective.
- Security and Boko Haram: His government made efforts to combat Boko Haram and other terrorist groups. However, widespread insecurity, kidnappings, and banditry persisted in several regions.
- Economic Challenges: During his presidency, Nigeria entered two recessions, with rising inflation, high unemployment, and a struggling currency sparking criticism of his economic policies.
- Medical Absences: Buhari faced questions about his health due to repeated medical trips to London, with some critics calling for greater transparency.
- EndSARS Protests: In 2020, the Nigerian youth-led protests against police brutality (#EndSARS) were met with a controversial crackdown that stained his human rights record.
President Tinubu described Buhari as a “dedicated patriot” who served Nigeria with “honour, resilience, and vision.” World leaders, including those from the African Union and ECOWAS, have sent in tributes recognizing Buhari’s role in stabilizing Nigeria’s democracy and fighting terrorism.
Opposition leaders and civil society groups have also expressed condolences, though many remain divided over his legacy, citing both his strong leadership and authoritarian tendencies.
📘 Personal Life and Legacy
Muhammadu Buhari was married twice, first to Safinatu Yusuf and later to Aisha Buhari, with whom he had several children. Known for his modest lifestyle, military discipline, and firm leadership, Buhari remained a significant figure in Nigeria’s modern history.
Despite controversies, he is remembered as a leader who deeply believed in reform, structure, and national discipline.
Buhari’s passing marks the end of an era for Nigeria. His journey from military head of state to a two-term democratic president reflects both the country’s turbulent political past and its ongoing efforts at national unity and democratic growth.
