Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Dies in London at 82

Lagos, Nigeria — July 13, 2025 — Former President and military ruler Muhammadu Buhari has died at the age of 82 in a London clinic, the Nigerian presidency confirmed on Sunday. He passed away at approximately 4:30 p.m. GMT, following an illness, according to a statement shared by Buhari former aide Bashir Ahmad on social media platform X.

A Dual Legacy in Leadership

Buhari first came to power as Nigeria’s military head of state in January 1984, following a coup. His military rule lasted until August 1985. Later, he transitioned to democracy and was elected president in 2015, becoming the first opposition candidate to unseat a sitting Nigerian president. He was reelected in 2019 and served until May 2023, when he was succeeded by Bola Tinubu.

Throughout his civilian presidency, Buhari campaigned vigorously on anti‑corruption, security, and economic reform, symbolized by his campaign broom. However, his tenure also witnessed persistent insecurity, particularly in the northeast, ongoing economic challenges, periods of medical absence, and criticism over selective enforcement in anti-corruption efforts.

Government Response and National Mourning

In response to his passing, President Bola Tinubu declared a national mourning period, ordering that flags be flown at half-staff. The Vice‑President has been dispatched to London to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria.

End of a Historic Chapter

Muhammadu Buhari’s death marks the conclusion of a defining and complex era in Nigeria’s modern political evolution. His leadership—first as a military ruler enforcing strict discipline, then as a democratically elected president—left a mixed legacy of resolve, transformation, controversy, and national struggle.

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