By Debo Adeoye | July 13, 2025 | Ibadan & Oluwatobiloba Adeoye-Aremu London
Former Nigerian President and retired Major General Muhammadu Buhari has died in London at the age of 82. His death, which occurred on Sunday afternoon, July 13, at a private clinic in the United Kingdom, marks the passing of one of Nigeria’s most influential and controversial leaders.
The announcement was made by his former spokesperson, Garba Shehu, in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“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 posted.
According to a statement later released by the Presidency, Buhari passed away at approximately 4:30 p.m. GMT after battling an undisclosed illness. Family sources revealed that he had been discharged recently from an intensive care unit and was believed to be recovering until his condition suddenly deteriorated.
A Nation Mourns
As news of his death spread, tributes poured in from across Nigeria and beyond. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed his condolences, describing Buhari as a “pillar of integrity and discipline” who left behind a “difficult but necessary legacy in the battle against corruption and insecurity.”
National flags have been ordered to fly at half-mast for seven days, and a national day of mourning is expected to be declared. Funeral arrangements, in line with Islamic rites, will be announced by the family and the Presidency in the coming hours.
Soldier, Reformer, and Politician
Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Muhammadu Buhari first rose to national prominence as a military general. In December 1983, he led a coup that ousted the civilian administration of President Shehu Shagari, citing rampant corruption and mismanagement.
As military head of state from 1983 to 1985, Buhari launched the infamous “War Against Indiscipline,” enforcing strict social policies and attempting to reform Nigeria’s economy through austere measures. However, his administration was toppled in another coup led by General Ibrahim Babangida in August 1985.
After years in political wilderness and several failed presidential bids, Buhari achieved a historic victory in 2015 when he became the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president in Nigeria’s democratic history, unseating Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.
He was re-elected in 2019 and served two full terms, stepping down in 2023 after handing over to President Bola Tinubu.
Legacy of Mixed Reactions
Buhari’s civilian presidency was defined by bold anti-corruption campaigns, heightened military operations against Boko Haram and insurgent groups, and economic restructuring initiatives. However, his administration also faced significant criticism for human rights violations, suppression of dissent, worsening poverty levels, and prolonged absences due to ill health.
Notably, his government came under intense international and local scrutiny during the #EndSARS protests of 2020, where security forces were accused of using excessive force against demonstrators. Buhari was often viewed as a distant and stern figure, and his leadership style was described as rigid by some of his critics.
Despite these controversies, Buhari retained a loyal political following, especially in Northern Nigeria, where he was revered for his frugality, religious devotion, and perceived incorruptibility.
Final Days
Since leaving office in May 2023, Buhari had largely withdrawn from public life, opting for a quiet retirement between his Daura hometown and occasional medical trips abroad. His final weeks were spent in London, where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment. Close aides said he had shown signs of recovery but later suffered complications that led to his death.
He is survived by his wife, Aisha Buhari, children, and grandchildren.
What Comes Next
The Federal Government is expected to coordinate his burial rites in line with Islamic customs and state protocol. A state funeral may also be organized, given his dual status as a former military head of state and two-term civilian president.
As Nigeria reflects on the life of Muhammadu Buhari, his supporters hail him as a disciplined patriot who served with integrity, while critics remember him as a symbol of missed opportunities in a country still searching for good governance and justice.
Fast Facts: Muhammadu Buhari
| Full Name | Muhammadu Buhari |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 17, 1942 |
| Date of Death | July 13, 2025 |
| Age | 82 |
| Military Role | Head of State (1983–1985) |
| Democratic Role | President of Nigeria (2015–2023) |
| Spouse | Aisha Buhari |
| Legacy | Anti-corruption crusader, security strategist, disciplinarian |
In Memory:
Muhammadu Buhari’s legacy will remain a complex chapter in Nigeria’s history—defined by discipline, austerity, and controversy. As the nation mourns, his role in shaping modern Nigeria continues to invite debate, reflection, and historical reckoning.
