Nigeria’s immediate past president, Muhammadu Buhari, has passed away in London at the age of 82.
His former media aide, Garba Shehu, confirmed the news in a statement posted on his X handle on Sunday.
“The family of the former president has announced the passing of Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London,” the statement read.
Plans are underway to return his remains to Nigeria, where he will be accorded a state burial in line with national tradition.
Muhammadu Buhari’s public service career spanned over four decades. A retired Major General in the Nigerian Army, he first served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from December 31, 1983, to August 27, 1985, following a coup d’état.
Transitioning into democratic politics, Buhari contested for the presidency multiple times:
In 2003 and 2007 under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP)
In 2011 on the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC)
His persistence culminated in December 2014, when he emerged as the presidential candidate of the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC). In March 2015, he made history by defeating incumbent president Goodluck Jonathan, marking Nigeria’s first peaceful transfer of power through the ballot box.
“It was the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s democratic journey,” analysts noted at the time.
Buhari was sworn in on May 29, 2015, and re-elected in 2019, defeating former Vice President Atiku Abubakar by over three million votes.
His administration, which lasted until May 2023, focused on fighting corruption, tackling insecurity, and implementing economic reforms, though it also faced significant public debate and critique over various national challenges.
According to official sources, arrangements are being finalized to repatriate Buhari’s remains to Nigeria for a state funeral. Further details are expected in the coming days.
His passing has triggered an outpouring of condolences from within Nigeria and across the world, as tributes pour in for a leader who held both military and civilian leadership roles in the nation’s history.
