By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
London, United Kingdom – July 13, 2025
Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has died in London at the age of 82.
The announcement of his passing was made on Sunday afternoon by his longtime spokesperson, Garba Shehu, who stated that the former military ruler and two-term civilian president died in a private clinic in London.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. 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. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus. Amin,” Shehu wrote in a brief statement.
The Merit Newspaper reports that Buhari had been in London for medical care in recent weeks, though the nature of his illness was not publicly disclosed. The news of his death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across Nigeria and around the world.
Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari first came to national prominence as a military leader, taking over as Nigeria’s Head of State in a December 1983 coup. He was ousted from power in 1985 but returned to the political scene decades later, eventually becoming a democratically elected president in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was re-elected in 2019 and served until 2023.
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During his presidency, Buhari was known for his anti-corruption stance, emphasis on security, and infrastructural development projects. However, his administration was also widely criticized for its handling of the economy, human rights issues, and worsening insecurity in parts of the country.
Following the end of his tenure in 2023, Buhari largely retreated from public life, returning to his hometown in Daura before occasionally traveling abroad for medical care.
Tributes have started pouring in from current and former world leaders, political allies, and ordinary Nigerians who described him as a disciplined and patriotic leader who left an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days by the family and federal authorities.
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May Allah grant him eternal rest and admit him into Aljannatul Firdaus.
