By Amofokhai Williams
Nigeria is in mourning following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday at a London clinic at the age of 82, after a prolonged illness.
The announcement, made by his former spokesperson Garba Shehu, has prompted an outpouring of tributes and condolences from leaders and citizens, reflecting on Buhari’s complex legacy as a military ruler and democratically elected president.
Buhari, born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, served as Nigeria’s military head of state from December 1983 to August 1985 after leading a coup that ousted President Shehu Shagari.
He returned to power as a civilian president from 2015 to 2023, becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan, in the 2015 election.
The Alarmee reports that Buhari’s presidency was marked by a strong anti-corruption stance, efforts to combat the Boko Haram insurgency, and initiatives like the National Social Investment Program, which provided job training and stipends to youth.
However, his tenure faced criticism for economic challenges, including a recession in 2016, and escalating insecurity across Nigeria’s regions.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement, described Buhari as “a patriot, a soldier, a statesman” who “served Nigeria with unwavering dedication” and “championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest.”
Tinubu ordered flags to fly at half-staff for seven days and directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to accompany Buhari’s body back from London for burial in Katsina, in accordance with Muslim rites.
An emergency Federal Executive Council session is scheduled for Tuesday to honor Buhari, who will receive full state honors.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called Buhari “a symbol of Nigeria’s resilience,” noting that “his death is not just a loss to his immediate family and the people of Daura, it is a profound national tragedy.”
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde described the death as “unexpected” but acknowledged that Buhari “made his mark in serving the country.”
Former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola praised Buhari’s “integrity and commitment to national unity,” while socio-political analyst Reno Omokri, a former critic, prayed that “Almighty God grants President Muhammadu Buhari al-Jannah firdaus.”
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria expressed condolences, stating, “Buhari’s life was defined by service, discipline, and a commitment to restore integrity to public office,” highlighting his efforts to strengthen democratic institutions.
Internationally, Buhari’s death has drawn attention to his polarizing legacy. While some, particularly in northern Nigeria, admired his austere leadership and anti-corruption ethos, others criticized his handling of economic crises and insecurity, notably the 2020 protests against police brutality, where soldiers fired on demonstrators at Lekki tollgate.
Political scientist Afolabi Adekaiyaoja noted, “The uneven response to Buhari’s death, with muted disillusionment in some quarters and sadness in others, is a reflection of how difficult it is to unite a country and his inability to do so.”
Buhari’s health had been a subject of speculation, with multiple medical trips to London during his presidency, including a three-month stay in 2017 for an undisclosed condition.
Rumours of his death surfaced as early as 2017, which he publicly debunked, stating, “It’s the real me, I assure you.”
His final public statement, issued on June 28, 2025, mourned philanthropist Aminu Dantata, reflecting his respect for service-oriented leaders.
