Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s Former Leader, Dead at 82

By Sholeye Ayodele, Lagos
26 June, 2025

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has passed away at the age of 82. He died on Sunday at the London Clinic, where he had been receiving medical treatment. His former Special Adviser, Garba Shehu, confirmed the news in a brief statement released on Sunday evening.

“The family of the former president has announced the passing of Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London,” the statement read.

Although the nature of his illness was not disclosed, it was reported that Buhari had been in London for several days undergoing treatment. Among the early visitors to the clinic were Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, Governor Umar Bago of Niger State, BUA Group Chairman Abdulsamad Rabiu, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar.

Just last week, Shehu had downplayed reports about Buhari’s health, saying he had been discharged and was in recovery. “It wasn’t as serious as claimed. He is 82, eats healthy, exercises regularly, and is getting better each day,” Shehu said.

Buhari served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023 and was also the country’s military Head of State between January 1984 and August 1985. His death has sparked a wave of condolences across the country, especially from political figures. President Bola Tinubu, who succeeded him, was among the first to publicly mourn his passing.

Former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha, and former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha were also seen visiting the clinic. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga stated that Tinubu has instructed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the UK and accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.

“President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs. Aisha Buhari, the former First Lady, and expressed his deepest condolences,” Onanuga said. Tinubu also directed that flags be flown at half-mast in honor of the former leader.

Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari was raised by his mother following his father’s death when he was just four years old. He received education in Katsina, the United Kingdom, India, and the United States.

His career in the military saw him hold several key positions, including Governor of Borno State (1975), General Officer Commanding the 4th and 3rd Divisions, Military Secretary, and member of the Supreme Military Council. He also served as Federal Commissioner of Petroleum Resources and Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

Buhari came to power in December 1983 following a military coup and ruled until August 1985, when he was ousted by General Ibrahim Babangida. In 1994, he was appointed as Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF).

He was married to Safinatu Yusuf from 1971 until 1988 and later married Aisha Halilu in 1989. He had ten children from both marriages. Known for his reputation as an incorruptible figure, Buhari was especially popular in northern Nigeria.

After failed attempts to win the presidency in 2003, 2007, and 2011, he succeeded in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC), defeating then-incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. It marked the first time in Nigeria’s democratic history that a sitting president lost an election.

His presidency focused on anti-corruption and infrastructure development. However, critics accused his administration of selectively targeting political opponents. Buhari maintained a modest lifestyle, claiming he was not in office to enrich himself.

In 2015, he declared his assets, listing properties such as five homes, two mud houses, a ranch with 270 cattle, an orchard, and land in Kano and Port Harcourt. He also held shares in three companies and had about $150,000 in his personal bank account.

After leaving office in May 2023, Buhari retired to his hometown of Daura before relocating to Kaduna. He remained mostly out of the public eye, though his residence often welcomed notable visitors.

At an APC caucus meeting earlier in the year, Buhari reiterated his simple lifestyle: “After my eight years as president, I have only three houses—one in Daura and two in Kaduna. One is rented out, and I use that income to feed myself.”

His health was often scrutinized, especially in 2017 when he spent over five months abroad for treatment of an undisclosed illness. During that time, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo acted as president. The lack of transparency fueled rumors about his health, including conspiracy theories that he had died and been replaced by a body double—claims dismissed by his administration.

In his final days, his homes in Daura and Kaduna received many visitors. One notable guest was outgoing African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina, who publicly thanked Buhari for supporting his nomination and re-election.

In April, a group of APC governors led by Hope Uzodimma also paid him a visit in Kaduna.

With his passing, Nigeria bids farewell to a former military ruler and two-term civilian president who left an indelible mark on the country’s political landscape.