President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s former military ruler and two term civilian president.
The 82-year-old statesman died in London at approximately 4:30 pm local time after battling a prolonged illness.
In an official statement released by Special Adviser to the President Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu confirmed he had personally spoken with Hajiya Aisha Buhari, the former First Lady, to offer his condolences.
“The President expressed his profound sympathies to the Buhari family during this difficult time,” the statement read. Demonstrating the government’s commitment to honoring the late leader, Tinubu immediately directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria for state burial.
Flags across Nigeria will fly at half-mast indefinitely as the nation begins an official period of mourning.
“This gesture reflects our deep respect for President Buhari’s service to our nation,” the presidential announcement stated. The late leader’s remarkable political career spanned both military and democratic eras, having first governed Nigeria as military head of state from January 1984 to August 1985 before being democratically elected as civilian president in 2015 and reelected in 2019.
The presidential statement emphasized Buhari’s enduring legacy: “As both military leader and elected president, Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication and conviction.” Current arrangements focus on ensuring the former president receives full state honors, with the federal government coordinating closely with the Buhari family. International leaders have begun expressing condolences, though official tributes are expected to intensify following the repatriation of the body.
President Tinubu’s swift actions—including the deployment of the vice president and declaration of national mourning—demonstrate the gravity with which Nigeria’s leadership regards this loss.
The coming days will see detailed announcements regarding funeral arrangements, expected to include both Islamic rites in Buhari’s hometown of Daura, Katsina State, and official ceremonies in the capital.
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