Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has died at the age of 82 in London after a prolonged illness. The news was confirmed by his former spokesperson, Garba Shehu, and acknowledged by President Bola Tinubu’s office, which stated that Buhari passed away at around 4:30 p.m. local time at a clinic in London. Vice President Kashim Shettima and the chief of staff have reportedly been asked to travel to London to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria for burial, which will take place according to Islamic rites in his home state of Katsina.
Buhari was a significant figure in Nigeria’s modern history. He first came to power in 1983 as a military ruler following a coup, only to be overthrown after 20 months. Years later, he rebranded himself as a civilian leader, describing himself as a “converted democrat.” After several unsuccessful attempts, he was elected president in 2015, becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent since Nigeria’s return to multi-party democracy. He was re-elected in 2019 and served until 2023.
His presidency was marked by an ambitious anti-corruption campaign and efforts to combat the Boko Haram insurgency. Despite these initiatives, both corruption and security issues continued to challenge the nation. Buhari’s administration also had to contend with Nigeria’s deepest economic downturn in decades, largely triggered by declining oil prices. While his leadership style was often praised for discipline and firmness against mismanagement, critics pointed to unresolved human rights concerns and ongoing economic hardship.
Throughout his time in office, Buhari’s health remained a topic of public speculation due to his prolonged medical stays in London, although the exact nature of his illness was never officially revealed. He is survived by his wife, Aisha Halilu, and ten children. Buhari’s legacy remains complex—defined by his military background, commitment to fighting corruption, and the persistent economic and security issues Nigeria faced during and beyond his tenure.