Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari passed away on July 13, 2025, in London at the age of 82, his former spokesman confirmed. Having twice held the nation’s highest office, Buhari was renowned for his relentless campaign against the terrorist group Boko Haram, a defining feature of his political career.
Buhari died after a prolonged battle with leukemia, having spent several weeks hospitalized in the United Kingdom following his medical transfer in April 2025.
He is survived by his wife, former First Lady Aisha Buhari, his previous wife Safinatu, and their ten children.
President Bola Tinubu ordered the national flag to fly at half-mast immediately upon the announcement and dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima to oversee the repatriation of Buhari’s remains.
Born on 17 December 1942 in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari’s early career was steeped in military service. Joining the army in 1961, he later fought in the Biafran War (1967–1970) before seizing power in a coup on 31 December 1983, ousting President Shehu Shagari and leading a military government.
His regime was marked by the controversial “War on Indiscipline,” enforcing strict laws that included corporal punishment and public executions, which drew both praise and condemnation.
Overthrown in 1985 by Ibrahim Babangida, Buhari was imprisoned until 1988.
He later sought the presidency multiple times before winning in 2015, becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president, and securing re-election in 2019.
Buhari’s tenure was fraught with tensions and contradictions. Championing anti-corruption and austerity, he gained respect for his integrity but faced criticism for extended absences abroad due to health issues.
Nigeria endured two recessions, soaring inflation, and rising debt during his leadership.
The closure of borders in 2019 to protect local industry pushed prices higher, while unemployment surged to 37.7%, with youth unemployment over half.
Despite pledges to defeat Boko Haram, terrorism intensified, kidnappings increased, and public dissent erupted, notably with the 2020 #EndSARS protests against police brutality, which ended in deadly army crackdowns.
His government was accused of curbing media freedom, including a seven-month Twitter suspension.
Buhari’s legacy remains deeply polarizing. Admirers laud his moral discipline and anti-corruption drive, while critics point to ineffective governance and widening inequality.
Analysts note the economy’s regression under his watch and anticipate his death will shift political dynamics in northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections.
Across Abuja, Lagos, and Daura, official mourning is underway, with flags at half-mast and condolences pouring in worldwide.
Preparations are in motion for a Muslim state funeral.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed described Buhari as “a man of unparalleled integrity, patriotic and simple,” calling his passing “a monumental loss to the nation.”
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