Buhari Dies at 82: Former Nigerian President Passes Away in London After Illness

Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, has died at the age of 82. According to a statement from his spokesperson, he passed away at approximately 4:30 pm GMT (5:30 pm BST) on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a London clinic following a prolonged illness.

Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari rose to prominence as a military officer during the Nigerian Civil War in the late 1960s. He held several senior positions before seizing power in a military coup on December 31, 1983.

As Nigeria’s military head of state from 1983 to 1985, Buhari enforced strict governance and introduced the controversial “War Against Indiscipline” campaign, aimed at curbing corruption and restoring public order. However, his regime was toppled in August 1985.

After years of unsuccessful bids for the presidency, Buhari returned to power as a civilian leader in 2015, defeating incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan in a historic election that marked the first time an opposition candidate unseated a sitting Nigerian president. He secured reelection in 2019 and remained in office until May 2023, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu succeeded him.

Throughout his presidency, Buhari campaigned vigorously on promises of anti-corruption and improved security, earning a reputation for personal integrity, often symbolized by the broom he carried during his campaigns—a symbol of his All Progressives Congress (APC) party.

Yet, his time in office was marked by significant challenges. Under his leadership, Nigeria faced worsening insecurity, as the Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgencies continued to threaten parts of the country, while kidnapping and banditry surged despite official claims of military successes.

Economically, Nigeria entered two recessions during his tenure—in 2016 and 2020—driven by slumping oil revenues, a weakened naira, and rising inflation. His administration also confronted widespread discontent during the #EndSARS protests in 2020, sparked by allegations of police brutality. The government’s forceful response, including a deadly crackdown and a prolonged ban on Twitter (later rebranded as X), drew sharp criticism from both domestic and international observers.

Buhari’s frequent medical trips to London, some lasting several months, became a source of national debate. In 2017, reports of him suffering from amnesia fueled speculation and concern over his ability to govern, raising questions about transparency and leadership continuity.

Following news of his death, President Tinubu and other senior officials expressed deep condolences. Tinubu has ordered all Nigerian flags flown at half-mast and dispatched Vice-President Kashim Shettima to London to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria for a Muslim burial in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.

The President has also summoned an emergency session of the Federal Executive Council, scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025, to honour the late former President.

In a heartfelt tribute personally signed on Sunday evening, President Tinubu confirmed that Buhari will be accorded full state honours.

“As a mark of respect to our former leader, I have directed that all national flags fly at half-staff across the country for seven days from today,” Tinubu stated.