The immediate past President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, has died at the age of 82 in a London clinic, his family announced on Sunday.
The news was confirmed by his longtime spokesperson, Garba Shehu, marking the end of an era for a leader who shaped Nigeria’s political landscape as both a military head of state and a democratically elected president.
In a brief statement, Shehu shared the family’s announcement: “The family of the former president has announced the passing of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin.”
Buhari, a retired Major General, served as Nigeria’s military head of state from 1983 to 1985, and later as its democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. His tenure was marked by efforts to combat corruption and address economic challenges, though it also faced criticism over his frequent medical trips abroad, particularly to the United Kingdom. Reports indicate that Buhari had been receiving treatment in London since April 2025, following what was initially described as a routine medical check-up.
Buhari’s health had been a subject of public concern during and after his presidency. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes and condolences across Nigeria and beyond, with many reflecting on his legacy as the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president in Nigeria’s history during the 2015 election.
Further details regarding burial arrangements are expected to be released by the family in accordance with Islamic rites. As Nigeria mourns, the nation remembers Buhari’s contributions to its political and social fabric, including initiatives such as the National Social Investment Program, aimed at supporting vulnerable populations.
The federal government has yet to issue an official statement, but the loss of Buhari—a towering figure in Nigerian history—is likely to resonate deeply across the country.
