The Federal Republic of Nigeria is in mourning following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, whose passing in London on Saturday, July 13, 2025, has shaken the nation he once led—both as a military ruler and a two-term civilian president.
In a solemn move reflecting the gravity of the moment, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima to the United Kingdom to oversee the dignified repatriation of Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria for burial, in accordance with Islamic rites.
According to a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Buhari passed away at approximately 4:30 p.m. after battling a prolonged illness.
President Tinubu, who spoke directly with Mrs. Aisha Buhari, the grieving widow of the former President, offered his deepest condolences to the family and the nation at large.
“This is a moment of great loss for Nigeria,” the President said. “Muhammadu Buhari dedicated his life to the service of our country. From the battlefield to the presidency, he stood firm in his beliefs and worked to leave a legacy of discipline, integrity, and national pride.”
In honour of the late President, Tinubu has ordered flags across the country to be flown at half-staff until further notice. He also announced that official funeral arrangements will be made public once Buhari’s remains are returned and consultations with the family are completed.
Born in 1942, Muhammadu Buhari served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1984 to 1985, and later became a symbol of democratic persistence—emerging victorious in 2015 after three failed presidential bids. He would go on to lead Africa’s most populous nation for eight consecutive years.
Today, Nigeria bows its head not just for a former president, but for a man whose name is deeply etched into its political journey. As Vice President Shettima travels to bring Buhari home, millions of Nigerians reflect on the life and legacy of a leader who, whether revered or contested, left an indelible mark.
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May Allah grant him eternal rest and forgive his shortcomings. Ameen.
Rest well, Baba. Nigeria remembers.
