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Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has died at the age of 82. The late president passed away in London on Sunday, July 13, 2025, following a prolonged illness.
TJ News Nigeria gathered that Buhari’s death was confirmed in an official statement issued by his former Special Adviser, Garba Shehu. According to the release, the former president died in a private medical clinic in the United Kingdom at about 4:30 p.m. Nigerian time.
“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,” Shehu said.
“May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin.”
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Tinubu Confirms Buhari’s Death, Orders National Mourning
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also confirmed the death in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The president expressed deep sorrow and offered condolences to the late leader’s family.
“President Buhari died today in London at about 4:30 p.m., following a prolonged illness,” the statement read.
“President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs. Aishat Buhari and offered his deepest condolences.”
TJ News Nigeria can authoritatively report that President Tinubu has ordered that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half-staff for seven days as a sign of respect. He also directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel immediately to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria for burial.
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A Look Back at Muhammadu Buhari’s Life and Legacy
Born on December 17, 1942, Muhammadu Buhari served as Nigeria’s president from May 29, 2015 to May 29, 2023. Prior to his democratic leadership, he ruled as military Head of State from January 1, 1984 to August 27, 1985 following a coup that ousted President Shehu Shagari.
His career spanned decades in public service, including roles as:
- Former Governor of the North-Eastern State (1975–1976)
- Former Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources (1976–1978)
- Former Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) under General Sani Abacha
- Presidential candidate in 2003, 2007, and 2011 before winning in 2015
His leadership style was defined by an anti-corruption stance, infrastructural projects like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and controversial policy decisions such as the border closure and naira redesign.
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National and International Reactions
Reactions have begun pouring in from political leaders, civil society organisations, and international bodies.
- Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio described Buhari’s death as “the end of a historic era.”
- Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed condolences, calling Buhari “a disciplined and patriotic Nigerian whose legacy will shape history.”
- The African Union (AU) and ECOWAS also extended tributes, noting his contributions to regional stability.
Funeral Arrangements and State Honours
TJ News Nigeria learnt that Vice President Shettima is expected to arrive in London within 24 hours to coordinate the repatriation of the late president’s remains. Sources close to the presidency indicate that a state burial is being planned in line with Buhari’s status as a former Head of State.
The Federal Government is expected to announce a national day of mourning and the official burial programme in the coming days.
Buhari’s Impact on Nigeria’s Political History
Buhari remains a polarizing figure in Nigerian politics. While praised by some for promoting anti-corruption policies and infrastructural development, others criticized his handling of security and economic issues, especially during the latter part of his second term.
Nevertheless, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential leaders in Nigeria’s post-independence era, having served both as a military and civilian head of state—a distinction shared only with former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
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Summary: What We Know So Far
- Name: Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR
- Age at Death: 82
- Date of Death: Sunday, July 13, 2025
- Place of Death: London, United Kingdom
- Cause: Prolonged illness (undisclosed)
- Current Arrangements: Repatriation and state burial in progress
- Legacy: Anti-corruption crusader, two-time national leader, founding APC figure
More updates to follow as this is a developing story.
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