BREAKING: Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Dies In London – What We Know So Far

By Sediq mutari July 13, 2025

In a moment of reflection for Nigeria and its citizens worldwide, former President Muhammadu Buhari has passed away at the age of 81. The news broke on Sunday, July 13, 2025, via a statement shared by his former aide, Bashir Ahmad, on X (formerly Twitter), confirming that the ex-president died earlier in the day at a clinic in London.

The announcement read:

“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.”

Buhari’s death marks the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most polarizing and consequential figures—a man who wore both military boots and democratic robes in service to his nation.

A Life Shaped by Power, Discipline, and Controversy

Born on December 17, 1942, Muhammadu Buhari first rose to national prominence as a military leader. He took power in a December 1983 coup that deposed the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari, positioning himself as a no-nonsense disciplinarian who would rescue Nigeria from corruption and mismanagement. His tenure as military head of state (1983–1985) was short but marked by rigid policies, a War Against Indiscipline campaign, and strong economic control that earned both applause and critique.

After years in the political wilderness, Buhari made a dramatic return to national leadership—this time through the ballot box. In 2015, after three failed attempts, he defeated incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, making history as the first Nigerian opposition candidate to unseat a sitting president through democratic elections. He was re-elected in 2019, serving until 2023.

Legacy of a Two-Time Leader

Buhari’s time in office as a civilian president was defined by his core pillars: anti-corruption, economic reform, and national security. His administration launched high-profile investigations into public sector corruption and tried to rein in the excesses of powerful politicians and civil servants. However, many critics argued that the anti-corruption campaign was selective and politically motivated.

On security, Buhari promised to defeat Boko Haram and other extremist groups. While the terrorist group was pushed out of many strongholds, violence continued to plague several regions under his watch—from insurgency in the North-East to farmer-herder clashes and rising cases of banditry in the North-West.

His economic policies were marked by efforts to diversify the economy away from oil dependence, invest in infrastructure, and support local agriculture. However, periods of recession, rising unemployment, and persistent inflation clouded his achievements, leading to growing disillusionment among the youth and middle class by the end of his second term.

A Figure of Both Admiration and Criticism

For supporters, Buhari was a patriotic leader who tried his best in the face of daunting challenges. His disciplined lifestyle, austere personal habits, and reputation for integrity made him a role model for many Nigerians, especially in the North.

For his critics, Buhari remained an authoritarian at heart—a former general who struggled to navigate the complexities of a democratic system. They pointed to a sluggish economy, human rights concerns, a weakening of institutions, and a perceived centralization of power as hallmarks of his leadership.

What cannot be denied, however, is his immense impact on Nigerian politics. He helped shape the post-military democratic era and left behind a political landscape forever changed by his presence.

What Comes Next

At the time of writing, funeral arrangements are expected to be carried out in line with Islamic rites. The Nigerian government has yet to release an official statement, but national mourning is anticipated, and tributes are already pouring in from across the country and the diaspora.

As Nigerians absorb the news, many will reflect on the complex legacy of a man who, for better or worse, was a defining character in the nation’s modern history.

Final Thoughts

Muhammadu Buhari’s journey from Daura to Dodan Barracks, from detention to the presidency, is one of Nigeria’s most compelling political sagas. His death invites not only grief but also a moment to evaluate what kind of leadership the country has had—and what kind it truly needs moving forward.

Whether viewed as a patriot, a disciplinarian, or a flawed statesman, Buhari’s story is deeply interwoven with Nigeria’s own. And now, with his chapter closed, the nation’s story continues—with new questions, new challenges, and perhaps new answers inspired by the lessons of the past.

May his soul rest in peace.