Tears flowed across Nigeria on Sunday following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in a London hospital after battling an undisclosed illness.
Buhari’s family confirmed his death through his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, who wrote on X, “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.”
President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over Buhari’s death. In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said, “President Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures.” He also confirmed speaking with the widow, Mrs Aisha Buhari, to offer his condolences.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described Buhari as “a statesman, a colleague, a reputable soldier and co-patriot who will be sorely missed.” Speaking to journalists, Obasanjo added, “His death is a great loss to the nation because at a time like this we need the statesmanship of all those who have governed this country in the past to get us out of our present situation.”
Former Military President Ibrahim Babangida recalled their early days together in military training. He said, “It is with a deeply heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of my friend, my brother, my course mate, and a fellow soldier in the journey of nationhood — President Muhammadu Buhari. From those early days, Muhammadu stood out — quiet yet resolute, principled yet humble, deeply patriotic and fiercely loyal to Nigeria.”
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, in a personal tribute, wrote, “Nigeria has lost a true patriot — a man whose life was marked by unyielding devotion to the nation he loved. President Buhari’s legacy will endure as a testament to the nobility of public service, defined by honesty, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.” Osinbajo added that he and his wife, Dolapo, spoke with Aisha Buhari and their son, Yusuf, to express their condolences.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, through its chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, said, “This death is a significant depletion in the rank of Africa’s all-time great men. Muhammadu Buhari was not just a former President or military leader; he was a national political leader with profound moral courage, character, and amazing sense of duty.”
Governor Hope Uzodimma, speaking for APC governors, said, “With the passing of President Buhari, Nigeria bids farewell to one of its most emblematic figures of honest and dedicated leadership; an era shaped by integrity, patriotism, and uncommon sacrifice.”
The Northern Governors’ Forum, led by Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, described Buhari as “an iconic figure whose life embodied discipline, integrity and a steadfast commitment to the service of Nigeria.”
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said, “Former President Muhammadu Buhari dead? It is hard to process this news at the moment. We had expected, like he did in the past, that he would pull through at this time.”
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, stated, “It is with profound sorrow and complete submission to the will of Almighty Allah that we receive the news of the passing of one of Nigeria’s most revered sons — President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.”
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, said, “The country will miss a statesman, a patriot, and a leader who committed his entire life to the service of Nigeria.”
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, added, “President Buhari was a great leader who served Nigeria with commitment and a deep sense of duty.”
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, stated, “We have lost a great leader. This is indeed a monumental loss to Nigeria in particular and Africa as a whole.”
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in a statement, said, “The former President made his mark in serving the country.”
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described Buhari as “an officer and statesman who made a name for himself as incorruptible and lived a life defined by simplicity.”
Senate Deputy President, Barau Jibrin, said, “President Buhari was not just a towering figure in our nation’s history but a man whose life embodied discipline, resilience, and patriotism.”
Former Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Wamakko, said, “Nigeria has lost one of its most iconic and selfless leaders — an incorruptible patriot, a disciplined statesman, and a symbol of integrity.”
Senator Ahmed Makarfi, former Kaduna State Governor, noted, “President Buhari’s services to Nigeria across time will not be forgotten by many generations of our people.”
Arewa Consultative Forum chieftain, Anthony Sani, stated, “The demise of former President Buhari is a huge loss not only to his loved ones but to the whole country.”
The Christian Association of Nigeria (Northern chapter) Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said, “Though opinions were divided on some of his policies while in office, no one can take away from him his patriotism, discipline and desire for a united Nigeria.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima was sent to London by President Bola Tinubu to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria. Presidency officials confirmed that his body would arrive Monday morning and be flown directly to Daura, Katsina State, where he would be buried according to Islamic rites.
A presidency official said, “The burial is tomorrow (Monday). They’re bringing his corpse over the night. They’ll go straight to Daura. You know, the Islamic rites don’t take time.”
President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over Buhari’s passing, saying, “Nigeria has lost a patriot, a soldier, a statesman.” In his tribute, Tinubu praised Buhari’s fight against corruption and his dedication to Nigeria’s unity. “Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life,” he said.
The President also ordered all national flags to fly at half-mast for seven days and summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council meeting for Tuesday in Buhari’s honour.
Buhari, who ruled Nigeria as military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and returned as civilian president between 2015 and 2023, was widely known for his anti-corruption stance and efforts to reform public service.
Former leaders, politicians, and citizens have continued to send tributes. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described him as “a statesman, a soldier, and a co-patriot who will be sorely missed.”
Former Military President Ibrahim Babangida said, “It is with a deeply heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of my friend, my brother, my course mate, and a fellow soldier in the journey of nationhood.”
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said Buhari’s legacy would endure. “Nigeria has lost a true patriot—a man whose life was marked by unyielding devotion to the nation he loved,” he said.
