By Peter Omopo | July 13, 2025
Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has died at the age of 82.
The news of his passing was confirmed on Sunday afternoon by his longtime spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, who disclosed that the former president died in a hospital in the United Kingdom, where he had been receiving medical care in recent weeks.
“It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the passing of our former leader and statesman, Muhammadu Buhari. He died peacefully in the early hours of Sunday in London, surrounded by close family,” Shehu stated.
Although the cause of death has not yet been officially disclosed, sources close to the family revealed that the retired general had been battling an undisclosed illness and had been flown to the UK for specialist treatment.
Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari first came to national prominence as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1983 to 1985, following a coup that ousted the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari. Decades later, he returned to power as a democratically elected president in 2015, defeating then-incumbent Goodluck Jonathan and serving two terms until 2023.
During his civilian presidency, Buhari championed anti-corruption, security reform, and infrastructural renewal, though his administration was often criticized for economic challenges, human rights concerns, and sluggish response to certain national crises.
Tributes are already pouring in from across the country and around the world. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to issue a formal state response shortly. A national period of mourning and plans for a state burial are also anticipated in the coming days.
Buhari is survived by his wife, Aisha Buhari, children, grandchildren, and a nation that will remember him as both a disciplined military leader and a controversial yet pivotal figure in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
More details to follow.
