Nigeria has been thrown into mourning following the death of its former President and statesman, Muhammadu Buhari. The 82-year-old former leader passed away on Sunday, July 13, at a private medical facility in London, United Kingdom, where he had been undergoing treatment for several weeks.
The announcement of his death was made public by his longtime media aide and spokesperson, Garba Shehu, through a solemn post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
“The family of the former president has announced the passing of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin,” Mr. Shehu wrote.
Sources close to the family revealed that Mr. Buhari had initially travelled to the UK in April 2025 for what was described as a routine medical check-up. However, shortly after his arrival, his condition reportedly worsened, prompting extended hospitalization.
Despite signs of improved health following his departure from office in 2023, the former president’s health began deteriorating again in early 2025. He remained in the UK receiving treatment until his passing.
Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Muhammadu Buhari emerged from humble beginnings. He lost his father at a young age and was raised by his mother, Zulaiha. His early education began in Daura and continued in Maiduguri between 1948 and 1952, before attending Katsina Middle School in 1953. He would go on to earn his West African School Certificate from Katsina Provincial Secondary School (now Government College, Katsina) in 1961.
Driven by a desire to serve his nation, Buhari joined the Nigerian Army in 1961, beginning his military career at the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna. He would later travel abroad for military training, attending the Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England, where he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1963.
Buhari's military training was rigorous and diverse. He attended the Platoon Commanders' Course in Kaduna (1963–1964), the Mechanical Transport Officers’ Course in England (1965), the Defence Services Staff College in India (1973), and the U.S. Army War College in Pennsylvania (1979–1980).
Throughout his distinguished military career, Buhari held several strategic roles, including Military Governor of the North Eastern State, Federal Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and General Officer Commanding both the 4th Infantry Division and the 3rd Armoured Division.
He became Head of State following a military coup on December 31, 1983, toppling the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari. Buhari ruled Nigeria as a strict military leader until he was ousted in another coup in August 1985.
After Nigeria transitioned to democratic rule in 1999, Muhammadu Buhari re-entered the national spotlight, this time as a civilian politician. He contested the presidency multiple times, beginning with his 2003 run under the banner of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), though he was defeated by then-incumbent Olusegun Obasanjo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Undeterred, Buhari contested again in 2007 and 2011, losing both times but gaining a loyal following among Nigerians who viewed him as a symbol of integrity and discipline.
In 2013, he played a pivotal role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) a historic merger of four major opposition parties, including his own Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), a faction of the PDP, and elements of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). The formation of the APC fundamentally shifted Nigeria’s political landscape and gave Buhari a renewed shot at the presidency.
Riding on a wave of anti-corruption sentiment and calls for political reform, Buhari won the 2015 presidential election in a landmark victory over incumbent Goodluck Jonathan. His campaign, centered around the promise of “Change,” resonated with millions of Nigerians disillusioned by years of misgovernance and corruption.
He was inaugurated as President on May 29, 2015, becoming the second former military ruler — after Olusegun Obasanjo — to return as a democratically elected president in Nigeria. He was reelected in 2019 and served a second term until May 29, 2023, when he handed over to his successor.
During his time in office, Buhari was known for his tough stance on corruption, infrastructure development, and efforts to strengthen Nigeria's agricultural and economic sectors. However, his administration was also marked by criticisms over insecurity, human rights concerns, and economic challenges.
Buhari was first married to Safinatu Yusuf in 1971, a union that lasted until 1988. He later married Aisha Halilu in 1989. He was a devoted father of ten children, and his personal life remained relatively private despite his public profile.
Throughout his life, Buhari was known for his modest lifestyle and devout Islamic faith. Many Nigerians regarded him as a principled and incorruptible leader, a perception that greatly contributed to his popularity at the polls.
Following the announcement of his passing, President Bola Tinubu directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to London to oversee arrangements and accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria.
Sources within the presidency confirmed that the late leader will be laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State. A state funeral is being planned, and tributes have begun pouring in from across the globe, recognizing Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria’s history, both as a soldier and a statesman.
From the dusty streets of Daura to the corridors of power in Abuja, Muhammadu Buhari’s life was one of service, controversy, and legacy. Whether hailed as a reformer or critiqued for his austere leadership style, Buhari undeniably shaped the course of Nigeria’s political and military history.
As the nation mourns, flags fly at half-mast, and prayers rise for the repose of a man whose name will forever be etched in the annals of Nigeria’s story.
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