London, July 14 (V7N) – Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has passed away at the age of 82 while undergoing treatment at a clinic in London, United Kingdom, on Sunday, July 13. His death was confirmed by his Special Assistant on Digital Communications, Bashir Ahmad, via a post on the social media platform Xe (formerly Twitter).

“The family of former President Muhammadu Buhari has announced his death this afternoon at a clinic in London. May Allah grant him a place in Jannatul Firdous, Amin,” Ahmad wrote.

Reactions from Nigerian Leadership

In response to the news, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu expressed condolences and said he had spoken to Buhari’s widow. Tinubu also directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to London and oversee formal procedures to repatriate the late president’s body to Nigeria.

A Legacy of Power and Reform

Muhammadu Buhari’s political journey spanned decades and two distinct eras:

  • Military Rule: Buhari first seized power in 1983 through a military coup and ruled Nigeria with an iron hand until he was ousted in 1985. His tenure was marked by anti-corruption drives, economic austerity, and strict authoritarian governance.

  • Democratic Presidency: After years of political reinvention, Buhari returned to the national stage and made history in 2015 by becoming the first opposition candidate to win a presidential election in Nigeria, unseating incumbent Goodluck Jonathan. He served two consecutive terms as democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023.

Throughout his civilian rule, Buhari projected an image of a reformed democrat focused on anti-corruption, counter-terrorism, and economic stability, although his presidency also faced criticism for growing insecurity, economic challenges, and restrictions on civil liberties.

Global and Regional Impact

Buhari remained a key figure in West African politics, often involved in peace negotiations and regional stability discussions under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). His leadership during the Boko Haram crisis and his efforts to stabilize Nigeria’s fragile economy cemented his legacy as one of the continent’s most influential leaders.

Final Arrangements

No official details have been released yet regarding funeral arrangements. The Nigerian government is expected to declare a period of national mourning and organize a state funeral upon the return of his body.

Muhammadu Buhari is survived by his wife Aisha Buhari and several children. His death marks the end of an era for a leader who ruled Nigeria both with a military fist and as a civilian statesman.

END/RH/AJ