Former President Muhammadu Buhari has died. The ex-Nigerian leader passed away in London at about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, following a prolonged illness.
The death was confirmed in a statement released by the family spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu. He wrote:
“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, who served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023, had earlier ruled the country as a military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985.
Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, into a Fulani family, Muhammadu Buhari was the 23rd child of his father. He joined the Nigerian military at a young age and rose to national prominence following the December 1983 coup that ousted the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari.
In 2015, he became the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president in Nigeria’s history. His re-election in 2019 solidified his position as a key political figure in the country’s democratic journey.
Reacting to the development, the Presidency has issued a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. According to Onanuga, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has spoken with former First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, and extended his deep condolences to the family.
The statement revealed that President Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to immediately travel to the United Kingdom to accompany the late former president’s body back to Nigeria.
In honor of Buhari’s passing, President Tinubu has ordered all flags to fly at half-staff nationwide as a sign of respect.
Further details regarding funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in line with Islamic burial rites.
