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Abuja, Nigeria – Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari passed away on Sunday in a London hospital at the age of 82, following a prolonged undisclosed illness. His death has plunged the nation into mourning, with President Bola Tinubu ordering national flags to fly at half-mast for seven days and declaring full state honors for the departed leader.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, under the directive of President Tinubu, accompanied Buhari’s remains from London. Presidency officials confirmed on Sunday night that the former President’s body would arrive in Nigeria early Monday to be flown directly to his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, for burial in accordance with Islamic tradition.
“The burial is today (Monday). They’re bringing his corpse over the night. They’ll go straight to Daura. So, they’ll bury him today (Monday). You know, the Islamic rites don’t take time,” a presidency official stated, preferring to remain anonymous. Another source indicated that President Tinubu is expected to join the family in Daura for the interment. While West African leaders are anticipated for condolence visits, specifics on their arrival were not immediately available.
A Leader’s Legacy: Tributes Pour In
President Bola Tinubu expressed profound sorrow, describing Buhari’s passing as a loss of “a patriot, a soldier, a statesman.” In a heartfelt tribute, he highlighted Buhari’s “unwavering dedication” during his tenures as military leader (January 1984 – August 1985) and democratically elected President (2015 – 2023).
“President Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures,” Tinubu wrote. He lauded Buhari’s “quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential,” particularly acknowledging his efforts in “confronting corruption head-on, and plac[ing] the country above personal interest.”
President Tinubu extended his deepest condolences to Buhari’s widow, Aisha, his children, the entire Buhari family, and the people and traditional leaders of Daura Emirate. He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would organize a funeral reflecting Buhari’s “towering contributions to our country.”
Political Heavyweights Honor a Statesman
Tributes have continued to pour in from across Nigeria’s political spectrum. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described Buhari as “a statesman, a colleague, a reputable soldier and co-patriot who will be sorely missed.” Obasanjo emphasized that Buhari’s experience is urgently needed to address the nation’s current challenges.
Former Military President Ibrahim Babangida shared an emotion-laden tribute, recalling their shared journey since joining the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna in 1962. “Through the years, we shared trenches and trials, dreams and disappointments, victories and moments of reflection,” Babangida said, highlighting Buhari’s “quiet yet resolute, principled yet humble, deeply patriotic and fiercely loyal to Nigeria” nature.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who served alongside Buhari for eight years, described him as “a true patriot” whose life “exemplified discipline, integrity, and service to the nation.” Osinbajo acknowledged Buhari’s “unyielding devotion to the Nigerian people” and said his legacy “will endure as a testament to the nobility of public service.”
Governors, Lawmakers and Religious Leaders Join Mourning
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), through its chairman AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, described Buhari’s death as a “significant depletion in the rank of Africa’s all-time great men,” remembering him for his “humility, strategic patience, and modest lifestyle.” APC Governors, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, stated that with Buhari’s passing, “Nigeria bids farewell to one of its most emblematic figures of honest and dedicated leadership.”
Northern States Governors’ Forum Chairman, Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State, hailed Buhari as “an iconic figure whose life embodied discipline, integrity and a steadfast commitment to the service of Nigeria.” Other governors, including Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo), also offered their condolences, emphasizing Buhari’s commitment to accountability, infrastructure development, and national unity.
Lawmakers, including House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy President of the Senate Senator Barau Jibrin, former Senate President Ahmad Lawan, and Interim ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark, all lauded Buhari’s patriotism, integrity, and dedication to service.
The Northern Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), through its Chairman Rev. Joseph Hayab, described Buhari as a “father figure” and noted that while opinions on his policies were divided, “no one can take away from him his patriotism, discipline and desire for a united Nigeria.”
A Private Life, A Public Mourning
Contrasting scenes emerged at Buhari’s residences in Kaduna and his hometown of Daura. His Kaduna home on Sultan Lane was largely deserted on Sunday, with strict security in place. In contrast, Daura witnessed a steady stream of sympathizers arriving to pay their respects, filling the premises of his residence. Family members confirmed the body would be flown back for burial in Daura.
Buhari’s health had been a recurring public concern during his presidency. He made at least 13 medical trips to the United Kingdom during his two terms, starting with a 10-day visit in June 2016. His longest medical absence was over 100 days in 2017. These visits, often announced as “routine check-ups,” sometimes raised questions about the delegation of presidential duties. His final known medical visit as president occurred in October 2022.
As the nation prepares for his burial, Nigerians reflect on the legacy of a leader who, whether in military uniform or civilian attire, profoundly impacted the country’s trajectory.
