BREAKING: Ex-President Buhari is Dead

By Daniel Nnamani

Nigeria’s former president, Mohammadu Buhari has died in a clinic in London at the age of 82.

This was announced by Buhari’s Media Aid, Bashir Ahmed on X (formerly Twitter), around 5 p.m on Sunday, 13th July, 2025.

Announcing the death, Bashir said, “the family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London.

“May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin.”

Further arrangements for his burial will be announced by his family.

The late president Buhari led Nigeria through two distinct eras, first as a military ruler from 1983 to 1985, and later as a democratically elected leader from 2015 to 2023. He has remained one of Nigeria’s most consequential figures.

Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari grew up in northern Nigeria as the son of a Fulani chief. He joined the Nigerian Army in 1962, rising steadily through the ranks. During the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), he commanded battalions and later served in administrative roles, including as the federal commissioner (minister) of petroleum under General Olusegun Obasanjo’s military regime.

Buhari shot to national prominence when he took power in a military coup on December 31, 1983, overthrowing the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari. His 20-month rule was defined by a tough anti-corruption stance, the controversial War Against Indiscipline, and austere economic reforms. However, accusations of human rights violations and a lack of democratic engagement led to his ouster by fellow officers in August 1985, leading to the emergence of General Ibrahim Babangida.

After years in political wilderness, Buhari returned to national attention in the Fourth Republic, contesting for president in 2003, 2007, and 2011—losing all three elections. But in 2015, he made history as the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president, unseating Goodluck Jonathan under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was re-elected in 2019.

During his eight-year tenure, Buhari focused on fighting corruption, building infrastructure, and tackling terrorism in Nigeria’s northeast. His government was praised for rail and road projects, but also faced criticism over rising inflation, increasing insecurity, and perceived lopsided appointments.

Buhari tenure ended in May 2023 at the end of his constitutional term, handing over to his successor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In retirement, he remained largely out of the spotlight, residing quietly between his hometown of Daura and the United Kingdom, where he frequently sought medical care.

Muhammadu Buhari is survived by his wife, Aisha Buhari, children, and grandchildren.