Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Dies at 82 in London

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has died at the age of 82 while undergoing medical treatment in London, the Nigerian government has confirmed.

President Bola Tinubu officially announced Buhari’s passing on Sunday, stating that Vice President Kashim Shettima has been directed to travel to London to escort the late leader’s body back to Nigeria.

According to reports from foreign media cited by News.Az, Buhari passed away in a private clinic in the British capital where he had been receiving care.

A Legacy of Leadership

Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari rose to prominence through both military service and civilian politics. His political journey culminated in a historic victory in 2015, when he became the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president in Nigeria’s history. He was re-elected in 2019 and served two terms, handing over power to President Tinubu on May 29, 2023.

During his presidency, Buhari focused on three main pillars: improving national security, combating corruption, and diversifying the Nigerian economy. His administration launched aggressive campaigns against the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast and worked to recover stolen public funds.

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Efforts were also made to enhance agriculture and invest in infrastructure. However, his tenure was not without challenges. Nigeria experienced two economic recessions under his leadership and continued to grapple with insecurity across various regions.

As a mark of national mourning, President Tinubu has ordered flags to be flown at half-mast in honor of the late statesman.

Who Was Muhammadu Buhari?

Buhari was born during British colonial rule, nearly two decades before Nigeria gained independence in 1960. His father, a Fulani man, died when Buhari was just four years old. His mother, of Kanuri descent, raised him and was a significant influence in his life.

In a 2012 interview, Buhari revealed he was his father’s 23rd child and his mother’s 13th, reflecting the large family structure common at the time. He recalled a vivid childhood memory of falling from a horse with his father and half-brother — one of the few memories he had of his late father.

Buhari’s legacy will be remembered for his firm stance on governance, military discipline, and efforts to shape a stronger Nigeria, even amid internal and external pressures.

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