LONDON / ABUJA, July 13, 2025 — Former Nigerian military ruler turned elected president, Muhammadu Buhari, has died in London at the age of 82. According to family spokesman Mallam Garba Shehu, Buhari likely passed away around 4:30 p.m. BST in a London clinic where he had been receiving medical treatment .
Buhari, born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, ascended through military ranks to become Head of State after a coup on December 31, 1983. His tenure, marked by the “War Against Indiscipline,” ended in August 1985 with his overthrow .
In a dramatic political comeback, Buhari ran multiple times before winning the presidency in 2015, unseating incumbent Goodluck Jonathan — a milestone as the first opposition victory in Nigeria’s democratic history . Re-elected in 2019, he served until May 2023.
His Legacy: A Nation Divided by Memory
- Anti‑corruption & discipline: Buhari’s administration emphasized a strong stance against corruption, winning praise for his integrity-focused rhetoric .
- Security struggles: Despite military campaigns against Boko Haram, violence and banditry escalated across Nigeria, and #EndSARS protests in 2020 saw violent crackdowns .
- Economic woes: Nigeria endured two recessions, severe inflation, and a currency crisis under his watch, with critics accusing his government of sluggish economic growth .
- Medical tourism: His frequent medical trips to London sparked backlash, exposing deficiencies in Nigeria’s healthcare system .
National Response & State Funeral
President Bola Tinubu described Buhari as “a patriot, soldier, a statesman” and ordered the national flag flown at half-mast while dispatching Vice President Kashim Shettima and other officials to London to escort his remains home .
Dignitaries including former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso offered tributes praising his discipline and dedication, even as they acknowledged the tensions and controversies of his tenure .
Plans for an Islamic funeral in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, extend into Tuesday, July 15. The Federal Government has declared a period of national mourning .
A Polarizing Chapter in Nigeria’s Story
Buhari’s passing closes a remarkable public life spanning military rule and democratic leadership. He is survived by wife Aisha Buhari, his children, grandchildren, and a deeply divided yet forever-changed nation .
In Retrospect
Muhammadu Buhari was a figure of stark contrasts: disciplined yet authoritarian, incorruptible on paper yet often criticized for economic missteps and security failures. To many in Nigeria’s North, he symbolized hope and integrity; to critics, his rule highlighted institutional weakness and rights violations.
His death likely heralds a shift in the political dynamics of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), especially among northern power brokers, ahead of the 2027 elections
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