Nigeria Mourns the Death of Former President Muhammadu Buhari

Strategic Insights -

Nigeria is in a state of grief following the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 in a London clinic. Reactions from prominent Nigerian leaders have been pouring in, with many expressing heartfelt condolences and praising Buhari's unwavering patriotism, disciplined leadership, and lifelong dedication to Nigeria's unity and development.

Buhari's death has prompted reflection on his significant contributions and the challenges he faced in leading Africa's most populous nation. His administration's efforts to address poverty and youth unemployment through the National Social Investment Program and the N-Power scheme are among his notable achievements. However, his tenure was also marred by criticisms of economic stagnation, rising insecurity, and frequent medical trips abroad.

Key Takeaways:

  • Former President Muhammadu Buhari died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 in a London clinic.
  • He served as military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and as democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023.
  • Buhari's death has prompted reactions from prominent Nigerian leaders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso.
  • Olusegun Obasanjo described Buhari as a patriot who strove tirelessly for Nigeria's progress and highlighted the need for Nigeria to leverage the experience of its past leaders to address current challenges.
  • Atiku Abubakar praised Buhari's enduring commitment to Nigeria's sovereignty and unity, describing his death as a "profound national tragedy."
  • Peter Obi commended Buhari's conduct as a leader, describing him as always comporting himself in a dignified manner.
  • Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso highlighted Buhari's decades of public service and sacrifice, stating that his contributions to Nigeria's unity, stability, and development will not be forgotten.
  • Buhari's health struggles throughout his presidency and beyond have been a subject of public concern, with frequent medical trips to London, including a 104-day stay in 2017 for an undisclosed ailment.
  • His family has not yet announced burial arrangements, but it is expected that the former President will be laid to rest according to Islamic rites.

Statistics:

  • 82 - the age of former President Muhammadu Buhari at the time of his death.
  • 2015 - 2023, the years Buhari served as democratically elected president.
  • 1983 - 1985, the years Buhari served as military head of state.
  • 104 days - the duration of Buhari's stay in a London hospital in 2017 for an undisclosed ailment.
  • 103 - the number of Chibok schoolgirls kidnapped in 2014 who were secured for release by Buhari's administration.

Sources:

  • "Nigeria is in mourning following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari" by a staffer of the State House.
  • "Olusegun Obasanjo Expresses Condolence on the Passing of Muhammadu Buhari" by Kehinde Akinyemi, Special Assistant on Media to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
  • "Atiku Abubakar Mourns Death of Muhammadu Buhari" by Atiku's account on X.
  • "Peter Obi Reacts to Muhammadu Buhari's Death" by Peter Obi's account on X.
  • "Rabiu Kwankwaso Expresses Condolence on the Passing of Muhammadu Buhari" by Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso's account on X.