The former Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari has died at the age of 82. Buhari passed away on the 13th of July 2025 from London which is in the city where he was receiving treatment for an unidentified illness from April. His family confirmed his death and said that preparations are in progress to transport the body back to Nigeria to be buried in accordance to Islamic rituals.
The announcement has sparked shockwaves across Nigeria and marks the conclusion of an extraordinary political journey that spans more than four years.
Early Life and Military Rise
Born on 17 December 1942 at Daura, Katsina State, Buhari joined the Nigerian Army at a young age and slowly rose up the ranks. Buhari was a member of the military elite who dominated Nigeria’s leadership throughout the 1970s and into the 1980s.
It was 1983 after the military revolution, Buhari became Nigeria’s Head of State. The administration he led was renowned for strict discipline and the notorious “War Against Indiscipline” campaign. However, he was ousted in a second election during 1985 that resulted in his temporary exile from the public sphere.
Return to Power Through Democracy
After several years of being out of being in the limelight, Buhari returned to politics and ran for president several times. As of 2015 Buhari made history in becoming the first candidate from the opposition to challenge a president during the era of democracy in Nigeria.
He was reelected at the end of 2019 and served for a total of 8 years as a president of the civilian government. His administration was focused on tackling corruption, enhancing national security and constructing infrastructure. However, he also had to face increasing criticism for economic problems and inflation, a rising debt and security issues in different areas of the country.
A Nation in Mourning
After the announcement of Buhari’s death after Buhari’s death, Buhari’s successor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed that all flags of the nation be raised to full-staff during the entire seven days. He also sent Vice president Kashim Shettima to London to oversee the arrangements for Buhari’s funeral and return.
These gestures show the deep admiration Buhari earned when he was an army general in the past and as a two-term president who helped shape the nation’s journey to democracy.
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari
Buhari’s legacy remains a complicated combination of discipline, anti-corruption efforts and solid leadership with times of discontent from the public and economic difficult times.
- As a military leader He was revered and revered for his ability to enforce the national order.
- As a civilian president his presidency brought stability and continuity in turbulent times.
- His foreign policy focused on the non-interference as well as co-operation in the region.
- He fought for projects like the development of rail lines and power sector reforms and youth empowerment programs.
- But, he also faced massive criticism of the way in which the government handled of security issues and the #EndSARS campaign.
The people who admired him remember his legacy as an American hero and a well-organized leader. The critics recall a president who failed to live up to the expectations of a young and changing nation.
Public Reaction Across Nigeria
The reactions to Buhari’s death were mixed and emotional. A lot of Nigerians have offered prayers and condolences on social media, thanking God for his many years of service. Some took the time to think about the struggles faced in his time as president.
Governors of states, political leaders and other international leaders have left messages of condolence, thanking him for his commitment for public service. Religions leaders too have called on Nigerians to be peaceful and united throughout the period of national mourning.
Final Journey
The Buhari family has announced his former presidency would be laid to rest within Daura, Katsina State in accordance with Islamic funeral rites. The body of the deceased is expected to arrive in Nigeria within the next few days, with full state respect.
Muhammadu Buhari’s passing brings a closing to one of Nigeria’s most significant political lives of Nigeria’s recent time. From the rule of the military to the democratic government His journey was a reflection of the extremes and lows of the country’s post-independence growth. As Nigeria grieves, the issue regarding the legacy of his presidency is bound to provoke discussion, analysis and reflection in the coming years.
