By Gideon Maxwell
June 13, 2025
Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has died at the age of 82 while receiving treatment at a clinic in London.
His death was confirmed on Sunday in a statement issued by his longtime spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on behalf of the family. The brief statement read in part:
“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.”
Buhari, who was born on 17 December 1942 in Daura, Katsina State, served first as Nigeria’s military head of state between December 1983 and August 1985 after a coup that overthrew the civilian government of Shehu Shagari.
He was later elected in 2015 as Nigeria’s civilian president, becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent in the country’s history. He served two terms and left office in 2023.
Known for his austere personal lifestyle and his anti‑corruption rhetoric, Buhari’s leadership attracted both admiration and criticism.
Supporters hailed his discipline and patriotism, while critics accused him of authoritarian tendencies and mismanaging the economy.
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In the years following his presidency, Buhari largely stayed out of public life, spending time at his home in Daura and occasionally travelling abroad.
His health became a subject of public discussion during his time in office, as he spent extended periods in London for medical care, though the exact nature of his illness was never publicly disclosed.
Current President Bola Tinubu is expected to issue a formal address and declare a period of national mourning.
Meanwhile, tributes from across Nigeria and the international community have begun to pour in, remembering Buhari’s decades of service and his controversial yet impactful role in Nigeria’s history.
