Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari has died in London after a prolonged illness. He was 82.
The news of his passing was announced on Sunday evening by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who disclosed that Buhari died at about 4:30 p.m. in the United Kingdom, where he had been receiving medical treatment.
In a swift move to honour his predecessor, President Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the UK to accompany the late President’s body back to Nigeria.
President Tinubu also spoke with the former First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, to express his condolences and extend the nation’s sympathies to the Buhari family.
As a mark of national respect, Tinubu ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff across the country and at Nigerian missions abroad.
Buhari served as Nigeria’s elected President from 2015 to 2023, having been re-elected for a second term in 2019. Prior to his democratic leadership, he held office as military Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985 following a coup d’état.
Widely regarded as a disciplined and austere leader, Buhari was known for his strong stance against corruption and his efforts to improve national security, though his tenure was often marked by controversy and criticism over human rights and economic policy.
Details regarding funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
