Nigerians mourned the death of ex-President, Mohammed Buhari who died at a clinic on Sunday in London aged 82, as announced by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, in a post on social media.
The late Muhammadu Buhari, who left office in 2023 after serving two terms, made Nigerian political history as the first opposition candidate to defeat a sitting president at the ballot box.
Buhari’s initial win — after three failed attempts in a country where re-election for the incumbent had been taken for granted, was seen as a rare opportunity for Nigeria to change course.
He unseated then-incumbent Goodluck Jonathan on a vow to crack down on Nigeria’s rampant corruption and end an insurgency by Boko Haram jihadists, going on to claim re-election in 2019.
Buhari’s first taste of power came in 1983 when he spearheaded a coup that overthrew the democratically elected president Shehu Shagari.
Confirming his death, the President, Bola Tinubu announced his predecessor’s death while ordered the Vice President, Sen. Kasim Shettima to United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s body back home.
The President also ordered flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader, he spoke with Aishat Buhari to offer his deepest condolences to the former President’s widow.
According to him, “President Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures.
“He served Nigeria with unwavering dedication, first as a military leader from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023.
“Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life. 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 placed the country above personal interest at every turn”, the President paid tribute.
Nigerian Vice President, Sen Kasim Shettima in his reaction on X said, “Only a few Nigerians have had the rare privilege of standing at the intersection of our nation’s defining moments. Former President Muhammadu Buhari was one of them.
“From the battlefield to the ballot box, he fought for Nigeria’s stability with uncommon courage. When the nation called upon him to lead once more, he answered with grace, bearing the burden of our collective aspirations.
“President Buhari was one of a kind. He was defined not just by the asceticism of his lifestyle but by his documented refusal to compromise on his values. 
“He served as a ladder for the political ascent of many. To generations of leaders, including myself, he remains the archetype of the principled politician: disciplined, deliberate, and difficult to distract from purpose.
“A man of the people, President Buhari’s life was a masterclass in servant leadership. He left office with the same modesty with which he entered it, committed to striking that difficult balance between proximity to the people and fidelity to national ideals”.
Shettima added that Nigeria has lost more than a leader. “We have lost a compass. In this moment of national mourning, may we find solace in the legacy he left behind.
“It is a legacy that reminds us that honesty, simplicity, and integrity are not relics of the past but blueprints for a more honourable future.“As one who came of age politically within the very structure shaped by his reputation and integrity, I must say this: I learnt much from him, and so did a generation of others.
“His life gave us a path, his values gave us a foundation, and his passing gives us a charge to carry forward the virtues that made him different. May Allah forgive his shortcomings, reward his service, and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus. Ameen.
Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr) David Umahi, has expressed condolences on the passing of the immediate past President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.
Umahi described the late former President as a disciplined politician and a leader with profound integrity, sense of frugality who loved, served his country with unwavering dedication.
Adding that Buhari left positive footprints in his service to the nation as a Military Head of State and as a democratically elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In a statement released by his aide, the Minister sent his deep condolences to the President, the family of the deceased and the govt and people of Kastina State.
He prayed God to grant his family and associates the strength of fortitude during this difficult time; “may they find confort in the knowledge that we belong to God and to Him we shall return”.
Paying his tribute, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo said late Buhari served Nigeria unblemished in different capacities, but notably as Military Head of State 1984- 1985) and as elected President (2015-2023).
On X, the Minister added that Buhari lived all his life in full realisation that such a day would inevitably come when he would answer to his Creator.
He wished Buhari’s widow, his children and extended families the Grace of God and fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss; sent his deep condolences to them and to the country as a whole that have lost a great patriot and nationalist.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu said Buhari was courageous, disciplined, respected and passionate leader. “His commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria is worthy of emulation because he provided honest and transparent leadership in the country.
He added that Buhari sacrificed the greater part of his life in the service of this dear country.
“He contributed immensely to the unity, growth and development of Nigeria and served passionately as Military Governor, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Head of State, and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander -in- Chief of the Armed Forces.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his wife, Hajia Aisha Buhari, friends, political associates and the entire Federal Government, Kastina State and the good people of Daura. May God bless Buhari’s soul, grant Nigerians the strength to bear this loss”, Sanwo-olu mourned.
On his part, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun said Buhari was a gallant soldier, a patriot, and a statesman whose leadership—both as a military Head of State and as a two-term civilian president—was marked by a strong emphasis on discipline, accountability, and national development. According to him, Buhari was known for his integrity, simplicity, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress. His achievements, particularly in the area of infrastructure, continue to speak volumes.
“As someone with deep affection for Ogun State, he was always excited to support and commission key projects in our administration”, the Governor stated.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the deceased beloved wife, Hajia Aisha Buhari, his immediate family, the people and Government of Katsina State, the Daura Emirate, and the Nigerian Army.
On behalf of Ogun people, the Governor commiserated with the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who he said has lost a true friend and comrade in the quest for a better Nigeria. “May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Aljanat Firdaus”.
The remains of former President, Muhammadu Buhari, will be laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State. The date and time of the burial will be communicated accordingly.
