London / Lagos — July 13, 2025
Nigeria’s former leader Muhammadu Buhari, who twice held the nation’s highest office—as a military head of state in the 1980s and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023—passed away on July 13, 2025, in a London clinic. He was 82 years old.
🕊️ Final Hours & Funeral Plans
Buhari died around 4:30 pm GMT in London after a prolonged illness, confirmed by President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson via X. Vice President Kashim Shettima and other officials have been dispatched to coordinate the repatriation of Buhari’s body, with burial scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.
🇳🇬 A Controversial Yet Historic Legacy
- From Coup to Democracy: Buhari seized power in a 1983 military coup, leading as a strict disciplinarian until 1985. Decades later, he made history in 2015 as the first opposition candidate in Nigeria’s democratic era to oust an incumbent president.
- Anti‑Corruption & Security: Known for his disciplined stance on corruption and efforts against Boko Haram, Buhari’s administration faced criticism for human rights violations, two recessions, and persistent insecurity.
- Health & Leadership: Frequent medical leaves and lengthy hospital stays in London raised public concerns about his transparency and executive effectiveness .
🌐 Tributes & National Reaction
- President Tinubu described Buhari as “a patriot, a soldier, a statesman … to the very core,” declaring seven days of national mourning, with flags flown at half-mast beginning July 13.
- International leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, extended their condolences .
- Former President Goodluck Jonathan praised Buhari’s integrity and commitment to democratic ideals .
- Ibrahim Babangida, who succeeded Buhari during his first military regime, acknowledged their differences but honored his patriotism.
📌 In Retrospect
Muhammadu Buhari leaves behind a mixed legacy, defined by his transformation from military ruler to democratic pioneer, fierce anti-corruption initiatives, and unfulfilled security and economic challenges.
He is survived by his wife, Aisha Buhari, and several children. His passing marks the end of a political era and prompts reflection on Nigeria’s turbulent journey from dictatorship to democracy.
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