LONDON – Muhammadu Buhari, the former President of Nigeria has died at the age of 82. The announcement was made by his family on Sunday afternoon, confirming that he passed away in a clinic in London where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.
Buhari, a retired major general in the Nigerian Army, had been hospitalised in the United Kingdom since April 2025, initially for what was described as a routine medical check-up. Sources close to his family revealed that his condition worsened during his stay, leading to extended treatment abroad. His longtime spokesperson, Garba Shehu, confirmed the development earlier this month, stating that Buhari was “unwell” and under medical care in the UK.
The news of his death was shared via a statement signed by Shehu on behalf of the family: “INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHIR RAJI’UN. The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin.”
Born on 17 December 1942 in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari rose through the ranks of the Nigerian military, serving as head of state from 1983 to 1985 following a coup d’état. He later transitioned to democratic politics, contesting presidential elections multiple times before winning in 2015 under the All Progressives CongressAPC, banner. His victory over incumbent Goodluck Jonathan marked the first time in Nigeria’s history that a sitting president was defeated at the polls.
During his presidency from 2015 to 2023, Buhari focused on combating corruption, bolstering national security against insurgencies like Boko Haram, and implementing social welfare programmes such as the National Social Investment Program. However, his administration faced criticism over economic hardships, rising inflation, and human rights concerns. Health issues plagued his tenure, with extended medical leaves in London fuelling persistent rumours about his well-being – rumours that were repeatedly debunked by his aides.
Buhari’s legacy is deeply divisive, with detractors labelling him a brutal and clueless dictator responsible for the deaths of Nigerians during the 2020 #EndSARS protests against police brutality. Reports from Amnesty International and eyewitness accounts documented soldiers opening fire on peaceful protesters at Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, resulting in at least a dozen deaths, amid widespread accusations that Buhari’s government orchestrated a violent crackdown. Buhari acknowledged scores of deaths during the unrest but attributed them to “hooliganism,” drawing further condemnation for failing to address the military’s role directly. On social media, users and activists described him as a dictator who ordered or enabled the killings, viewing the protests as a threat to his regime.
Critics also accused Buhari of being a Fulani irredentist and tribal bigot, pointing to policies perceived as favouring his Fulani ethnic group and promoting northern dominance, including lax responses to herder-farmer conflicts and appointments skewed towards northerners. He did not perform well as head of state both in the 1980s and from 2015 to 2023, with his military rule in the 1980s characterised by authoritarian measures, economic mismanagement, and human rights abuses, while his democratic tenure was marred by recession, insecurity, and perceived nepotism.
Buhari stepped down in May 2023 after handing over power to his successor, Bola Tinubu, and retired to his hometown in Daura. His post-presidency life was largely private, though he made occasional public appearances. The former leader’s death comes amid a wave of online reactions, with some users referencing long-standing conspiracy theories alleging he had died years earlier and been replaced by a body double – claims that originated during his 2017 health crises but were consistently dismissed.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, but sources indicate that Buhari’s remains will be repatriated to Nigeria for burial in accordance with Islamic rites. He is survived by his wife, Aisha Buhari, and several children.
Buhari’s passing marks the end of an era for Nigeria, a nation he served in various capacities for over five decades. As the country mourns, questions about his enduring impact on Africa’s most populous nation are likely to dominate discussions in the days ahead.
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