By Boluwatife Adedokun
Nigeria’s former president, Muhammadu Buhari, has died at the age of 82. His death was confirmed on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a London hospital, where he had been receiving medical treatment.
His former spokesperson, Garba Shehu, confirmed the passing, saying, “The family of the former president has announced the passing on of Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus.”
Reacting to the news, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed deep sorrow and ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to immediately travel to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also disclosed that he had spoken with the late president’s widow, Aisha Buhari, to offer his condolences. The president further directed that all national flags be flown at half-mast across the country in Buhari’s honour.
Buhari served Nigeria both as a military Head of State (1984–1985) and as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023. His election in 2015 marked a historic moment as it was the first time an incumbent Nigerian president lost to an opposition candidate.
Before entering politics, Buhari held key national roles, including as Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund under the Sani Abacha regime. Known for his spartan lifestyle and anti-corruption stance, he contested unsuccessfully for the presidency three times before finally winning in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Though celebrated for his infrastructural initiatives and strong anti-graft messaging, Buhari’s tenure was also marked by health challenges that saw him spend extended periods in the UK.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
