Abuja, Nigeria: Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has died at the age of 82 while receiving medical treatment in London, current President Bola Tinubu confirmed in a statement on Sunday.
Buhari, who led Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, passed away in a British medical facility, marking the end of a significant chapter in the nation’s political history. President Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to London to accompany the late leader’s remains back to Nigeria for a state funeral.
Born on December 17, 1942, Buhari had a distinguished military and political career. He first rose to prominence as a military leader and later became a democratically elected president. In 2015, he made history as the first opposition candidate in Nigeria to defeat a sitting president through the ballot box.
After serving two terms, Buhari handed over power to Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023. His administration focused on three main pillars: fighting corruption, strengthening security, and promoting economic diversification.
Buhari’s tenure was marked by aggressive anti-corruption campaigns and major military efforts to combat the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast. His government also launched large-scale infrastructure and agricultural development projects in a bid to steer the country toward long-term stability.
Despite facing significant economic challenges — including two recessions — and persistent security issues across various regions, Buhari remained a central figure in Nigeria’s political landscape for over a decade.
In a tribute, President Tinubu praised Buhari’s service to the nation and ordered national flags to be flown at half-mast across the country in his honor.
Arrangements for Buhari’s state funeral are expected to be announced in the coming days.
