Former Nigerian President Buhari dies aged 82
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has passed away at 82 in a London clinic. His death, confirmed on July 13, 2025, signifies the loss of a towering figure whose influence spanned decades, from his military rule in the 1980s to his democratic leadership until 2023. Known for his ascetic lifestyle and polarizing legacy, Buhari’s passing has prompted widespread reflection on his contributions to Nigeria’s governance and the challenges that defined his tenure.
Garba Shehu, Buhari’s longtime spokesperson, shared the somber news of his death via a post on 𝕏 on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 16:06 GMT. In his announcement, Shehu conveyed the family’s confirmation, stating: “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.” The post, widely circulated on social media, triggered an outpouring of condolences, with Nigerians and global observers honoring Buhari’s complex legacy while noting the significance of his death abroad, a point of contention given Nigeria’s domestic healthcare challenges.
Buhari had been grappling with an undisclosed illness, with family sources revealing he was recently discharged from intensive care in London. His health struggles, long a subject of public speculation, intensified during a routine medical visit abroad in 2025. Despite initial signs of recovery, his condition deteriorated, leading to his passing in a London clinic where he had frequently sought treatment. The lack of transparency about his ailment, consistent with his presidency, has reignited debates about the reliance of Nigeria’s elite on foreign medical facilities.
The former president’s health had been a focal point throughout his career, with this final illness marking a critical turn. Sources indicate that Buhari fell ill during a medical checkup in London and remained under observation for weeks. Initially believed to be recuperating, his condition worsened unexpectedly, leading to his death. This pattern of seeking treatment abroad echoes his prolonged medical absences during his presidency, notably in 2017, which sparked concerns about governance and transparency.
A retired major general, Buhari was one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures, serving as military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and as elected president from 2015 to 2023. His 1983 coup against President Shehu Shagari introduced the “War Against Indiscipline,” a controversial campaign to curb corruption and restore order. Ousted in 1985, he re-emerged as a democratic leader in 2015, winning as the first opposition candidate to unseat an incumbent. His journey from military ruler to “converted democrat” underscored his adaptability and enduring influence.
Buhari’s two-term presidency, ending in 2023, centered on an ambitious anti-corruption agenda, economic reforms, and efforts to combat insecurity. His 2015 victory, built on promises to tackle graft and neutralize Boko Haram, raised hopes for systemic change. However, his tenure faced challenges, including a 2016–17 recession, persistent violence, and accusations of nepotism, which tempered optimism. The 2020 End SARS protests, met with a violent crackdown, further highlighted governance issues, leaving a mixed legacy.
As Nigeria mourns, funeral arrangements are expected to be announced soon, with tributes flooding in from across the nation and beyond. In accordance with Islamic rites, preparations for Buhari’s burial are likely to be swift, reflecting cultural traditions. Posts on social media, particularly 𝕏, describe him as a “charismatic leader” who shaped Nigeria’s democratic evolution, while critics note unfulfilled promises. His death marks a moment of reflection on his contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape and the challenges that persist.
