Tributes Pour In For Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Following His Death At 82.
Nigeria is mourning the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died at the age of 82 in a London hospital on Sunday, July 13, 2025, two years after leaving office. The retired Major General, who served as Nigeria’s military head of state from 1984 to 1985 and as democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, has been remembered as a patriot, soldier, and statesman by prominent Nigerian figures, politicians, and administrators. Tributes from across the country and beyond highlight Buhari’s complex legacy, marked by his commitment to national unity, anti-corruption efforts, and his polarizing leadership style.
President Bola Tinubu’s Tribute
President Bola Tinubu, Buhari’s successor, expressed profound sorrow at the news of his predecessor’s passing, describing Buhari as a “patriot, soldier, and statesman who served Nigeria with unwavering dedication.” In a statement issued on Sunday, Tinubu emphasized Buhari’s enduring legacy of service and sacrifice, noting his leadership during turbulent times. “It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), GCFR, my predecessor, who departed this life today,” Tinubu said. “He stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential. He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and put the country above personal interest at every turn.”
Tinubu ordered all national flags to fly at half-mast for seven days, from July 13 to July 20, 2025, as a mark of respect. He also directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria for burial under Islamic rites. Additionally, Tinubu announced that the Federal Government would accord Buhari full state honors “befitting his towering contributions to our country” and called for an emergency Federal Executive Council (FEC) session on Tuesday, July 15, to honor the late leader. “May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus,” Tinubu concluded, extending condolences to Buhari’s widow, Aisha, his family, and the people of Katsina State, particularly the Daura Emirate.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Tribute
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who served as Nigeria’s military head of state from 1976 to 1979 and as civilian president from 1999 to 2007, mourned Buhari’s death as a significant loss to the nation. In a statement issued from Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo described Buhari as a “colleague, a comrade, a co-patriot” who played his roles dutifully as a soldier, administrator, and statesman. “It is with a heavy heart that I received this afternoon the passing to glory of General Muhammadu Buhari,” Obasanjo said. “It is a loss to the nation because at a time like this, we need the totality of the experience, expertise, and statesmanship of all those who have had the opportunities to run the affairs of this country in the past to get us out of the situation we are in. He will be sorely missed. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Obasanjo’s tribute, shared through his media aide Kehinde Akinyemi, underscored Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria’s development, despite past criticisms where Obasanjo labeled Buhari’s 2015–2023 administration as the “worst civil administration regime” in Nigeria’s history due to issues of governance and corruption.
General Ibrahim Babangida’s Tribute
Former military head of state General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), who overthrew Buhari’s military regime in 1985, also paid tribute, describing Buhari as a “brother, course mate, and fellow patriot.” In a personal statement, Babangida reflected on their shared history, which began in 1962 at the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna. “Through the years, we shared trenches and trials, dreams and disappointments, victories and moments of reflection,” he said. “Our bond was forged not only by military training but by a shared commitment to service and love for country.” Babangida acknowledged that while they had differing views at times, Buhari’s sincerity and patriotism were unquestionable. “His life was defined by discipline, humility, and unwavering loyalty to Nigeria,” he added.
Other Notable Tributes
Several other prominent figures and administrators joined in mourning Buhari, reflecting on his contributions to Nigeria’s political and military history:
– Former President Goodluck Jonathan: Jonathan, who was defeated by Buhari in the historic 2015 presidential election, expressed condolences, noting Buhari’s role in Nigeria’s democratic journey. He described Buhari as a leader who “inspired both admiration and debate” and prayed for his soul’s repose.
– Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart and 2019 presidential candidate mourned Buhari, acknowledging his dedication to Nigeria despite political differences. Atiku highlighted Buhari’s efforts in addressing security challenges, particularly the Boko Haram insurgency, and extended sympathies to his family and the people of Katsina State.
– Peter Obi: The former governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate paid tribute to Buhari, describing him as a leader who “served Nigeria in various capacities with commitment.” Obi noted Buhari’s efforts to maintain national unity and prayed for strength for his family during this period of grief.
– African Union Commission Chairperson, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf: Representing the African Union, Youssouf expressed condolences to the Nigerian government and people, describing Buhari as a “principled and resolute leader who served Nigeria with honour and conviction.” The AU statement emphasized solidarity with Nigeria during this period of national mourning.
– Governors and Regional Leaders: Governors such as Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State), and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State) also expressed their condolences, recognizing Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria’s development and his legacy as a disciplined leader.
Buhari’s Legacy
Muhammadu Buhari’s death marks the end of a significant chapter in Nigerian history. As the first opposition candidate to win a presidential election in 2015, he broke the dominance of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). His tenure was marked by efforts to combat corruption and the Boko Haram insurgency, though it faced criticism for economic challenges, insecurity, and governance issues. His earlier military rule from 1984 to 1985 was noted for its aggressive anti-corruption campaign, which some praised and others criticized as repressive.
Buhari’s passing has prompted reflection on his complex legacy, with tributes emphasizing his patriotism and discipline while acknowledging the challenges of his administration. As Nigeria prepares for his state funeral, the nation unites in honoring a leader who shaped its modern political landscape.
Official Arrangements
President Tinubu has ensured that Buhari’s body will be repatriated to Nigeria for burial, with Vice President Shettima overseeing the process. A condolence register has been opened at Buhari’s residence in Daura, Katsina State, and the Federal Government has promised a befitting state funeral to honor his contributions.
As tributes continue to pour in, Nigerians and the global community reflect on Buhari’s life, his service, and the indelible mark he left on the nation. May his soul rest in peace.
