Nigeria Mourns as Former President Muhammadu Buhari Dies at 82
By Anthony Chinecherem
London, July 13, 2025 — Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari passed away today in London at the age of 82 following a prolonged illness, his spokesperson confirmed (Reuters, AP News, Financial Times).
“President Buhari died today in London at about 4:30 p.m., following a prolonged illness.”
— Official statement
Buhari first seized power as a military ruler in 1983, and returned to lead a democratic government from 2015 to 2023, marking a historic moment as the first opposition candidate to unseat an incumbent president (Reuters, AP News). His rule was characterised by anti-corruption crusades, fierce battles against Boko Haram, and mixed economic outcomes that led to two recessions.
President Bola Tinubu ordered flags to fly at half-mast for seven days and convened an emergency FEC meeting Tuesday (Punch, The Nation).
Across Nigeria, governors and national figures paid heartfelt tributes: Bauchi’s Bala Mohammed described Buhari as a “monumental loss” (The Nation), Ogun’s Dapo Abiodun praised his patriotism and integrity (The Nation), while the Nigeria Governors’ Forum called his departure a major loss to Africa (Daily Trust).
Former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and Ibrahim Babangida also expressed sorrow, lauding his dedication to national unity and service (AllAfrica).
Despite criticisms—like his health-related absences, emergency decree during the #EndSARS protests, and economic volatility including rising inflation and insecurity—Buhari remained a polarising yet pivotal figure in Nigeria’s modern political history (AP News, Financial Times).
State funeral ceremonies are underway, starting with his burial today in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State, with an array of military honours and widespread national mourning (AllAfrica, Punch).
Sources: Reuters, AP News, Financial Times, Punch, Daily Trust, AllAfrica
