Late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
By CALLISTUS OFFOR, Abuja-
Nigeria is in mourning following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 in a London clinic.
The announcement, made by his longtime spokesperson Garba Shehu, has elicited heartfelt tributes from prominent Nigerian leaders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso.
These leaders, in detailed condolence messages, lauded Buhari’s unwavering patriotism, disciplined leadership, and lifelong dedication to Nigeria’s unity and development, while praying for his soul to rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.
Official Confirmation of Buhari’s Death
Garba Shehu, Buhari’s former spokesperson, confirmed the former president’s passing in a statement on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
“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, signing off with the date.
The statement followed reports of Buhari’s prolonged medical treatment in the UK, where he had been since April 2025 for a routine check-up that was complicated by an intestinal disorder. Despite earlier assurances of recovery from Shehu and former aide Bashir Ahmad, Buhari’s condition reportedly worsened, leading to his death.
Buhari, born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, was a towering figure in Nigerian history, serving as military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and as democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. His passing has prompted reflection on his contributions and the challenges he faced in leading Africa’s most populous nation.
Olusegun Obasanjo: A Patriot and Statesman
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who led Nigeria as military head of state (1976–1979) and civilian president (1999–2007), expressed profound grief over Buhari’s death.
In a statement issued through his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, on July 13 in Abeokuta, Obasanjo described Buhari as a patriot who strove tirelessly for Nigeria’s progress.
“It is with a heavy heart I received the news of the passing of a colleague, a comrade, a cool patriot, and a soldier, General Muhammadu Buhari,” Obasanjo said.
“He played his role as a soldier, as an administrator, and a statesman among numerous obligations he performed.”
Obasanjo highlighted the need for Nigeria to leverage the experience of its past leaders to address current challenges.
“At a time like this, we need the totality of the experience and what I may call statesmanship of all those who had opportunities to run the affairs of this country to get us out of the situation we are in,” he stated.
“Buhari will be sorely missed, and may his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Atiku Abubakar: A National Tragedy
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who served under Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007, described Buhari’s passing as a “profound national tragedy” in a heartfelt message posted on his X account on July 13.
“His death is not just a loss to his immediate family and the people of Daura, it is a profound national tragedy,” Atiku wrote.
“Nigeria has lost a statesman who bore the burdens of leadership in both turbulent and triumphant times and whose legacy will be remembered for generations to come.”
Atiku praised Buhari’s enduring commitment to Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a man whose life was defined by unflinching patriotism, stoic discipline, and a lifelong commitment to the sovereignty and unity of our great nation,” he said.
“President Buhari was not just a former Head of State, he was a symbol of Nigeria’s resilience.
“From the battlefield to the corridors of power, he served with the kind of austere conviction and firm belief in duty that marked him as a soldier of principle and a leader of formidable will.”
Extending condolences to Buhari’s family, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians, Atiku prayed, “May Allah, the Most Merciful, forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus.”
Peter Obi: A Dignified Leader
Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections and former Anambra State governor, expressed shock and sadness over Buhari’s passing.
In a condolence message posted on his X handle on July 13, Obi described the former president’s death as a moment for national reflection.
“I received the very sad news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari in London,” Obi wrote.
“His death provides a solemn moment, not just for his family and close associates, but for our nation as a whole.”
Obi commended Buhari’s conduct as a leader. “President Buhari has always comported himself in a dignified manner as a leader,” he said.
“To his wife, children, extended family, and to all Nigerians, I extend my deepest condolences.”
He prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive Buhari’s shortcomings, reward his service to the nation, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
Rabiu Kwankwaso: A Life of Sacrifice
Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State and a prominent political figure, expressed profound shock in a personally signed condolence message on July 13.
“I received the news of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s passing with profound shock,” Kwankwaso stated.
“This is a difficult moment for our nation as we mourn a leader who devoted many years of his life to serving our country.”
Kwankwaso highlighted Buhari’s decades of public service as both a military leader and democratically elected president. “Buhari’s life was marked by decades of public service and sacrifice,” he said.
“His contributions to Nigeria’s unity, stability, and development will not be forgotten.”
Extending condolences to Buhari’s family, the government and people of Katsina State, and the entire nation, Kwankwaso prayed for Allah to forgive Buhari’s shortcomings and grant him eternal peace.
Buhari’s Complex Legacy
Muhammadu Buhari’s career was marked by significant milestones and challenges. As military head of state from 1983 to 1985, he launched the “War Against Indiscipline” campaign, emphasizing order and anti-corruption measures. As president from 2015 to 2023, his administration introduced the National Social Investment Program and the N-Power scheme to address poverty and youth unemployment. His government also made strides against Boko Haram, securing the release of 103 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapped in 2014.
However, his tenure faced criticism for economic stagnation, rising insecurity, and frequent medical trips abroad, which underscored Nigeria’s healthcare challenges.
“Buhari was a man of integrity who fought for what he believed was right for Nigeria,” said former Senate President Ahmad Lawan in a tribute on X. “His legacy will endure, despite the challenges.” Political analyst Aisha Mohammed noted, “He tried to stabilize Nigeria, but the economic and security issues were immense. His death highlights the urgent need for better governance and healthcare systems in Nigeria.”
Health Struggles and Final Days
Buhari’s health had been a subject of public concern throughout his presidency and beyond. He made frequent medical trips to London, including a 104-day stay in 2017 for an undisclosed ailment. In April 2025, he traveled to the UK for a routine check-up, but his condition deteriorated due to an intestinal disorder. Despite assurances from aides like Bashir Ahmad, who said on July 10, “He is stable and responding well to treatment,” Buhari’s health worsened, leading to his passing on July 13.
*National and Global Mourning
Buhari’s death has sparked widespread condolences across Nigeria and beyond. On X, Nigerians expressed mixed sentiments, with many praying for his soul. “May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Jannatul Firdaus,” wrote user @SadiqLamido8. Another user, @dnkariuki, noted, “Former President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari has died this afternoon in a clinic in London, UK.”
The Federal Government has announced plans to bring home the body of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in London, United Kingdom.
According to the State House, President Bola Tinubu on Sunday directed Vice President Kashim Shettima and his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to travel to the UK to accompany Buhari’s body back home.
Although the Federal Government has yet to issue an official statement, Vice President Shettima, who visited Buhari in London on July 7, is expected to lead tributes to the late leader. President Tinubu is also anticipated to address the nation soon, paying tribute to Buhari’s legacy.
The Buhari family has not yet announced burial arrangements, but it is expected that the former President will be laid to rest according to Islamic rites.
