The former military ruler and two-term civilian president passed away after a brief illness in the United Kingdom; his legacy remains a mix of reform, controversy, and historical milestones.
London, United Kingdom – Nigeria is mourning the passing of its former president, Muhammadu Buhari, who died at the age of 82 in a private clinic in London, according to a statement released by his family. Buhari, who served as the country’s democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, had traveled to the UK in April 2025 for what was initially described as a routine medical check-up. However, his health reportedly deteriorated in the weeks that followed, leading to his demise. The exact cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Throughout his political career, Buhari was both a symbol of military discipline and democratic resilience. His initial rise to national prominence came in 1983, when he led a military coup that overthrew the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari. As a military head of state, he ruled Nigeria with a strict hand for 20 months before being ousted by another military takeover in 1985.
Decades later, Buhari reinvented himself as a civilian politician. After several failed attempts at the presidency, he made history in 2015 by becoming the first opposition candidate in Nigeria’s history to defeat a sitting president, Goodluck Jonathan. His victory was largely based on a platform promising to combat corruption, reduce insecurity, and revive Nigeria’s struggling economy.
Buhari’s presidency was marked by numerous achievements as well as controversies. While he was praised for significant anti-corruption efforts and infrastructure development, his administration also faced criticism over human rights concerns, economic challenges, and rising insecurity in various regions of Nigeria. Many observers and critics noted a seeming lack of urgency in responding to major crises, particularly the insurgency in the Northeast and worsening banditry in the North-West.
His health remained a persistent topic of public discourse during his time in office. Buhari spent extended periods abroad for medical treatment, sparking nationwide debates about transparency and the need for improved healthcare within Nigeria. Though his aides often downplayed the severity of his health issues, rumors about his well-being were constant throughout his two terms.
Despite the criticisms, Buhari remained a towering figure in Nigeria’s political landscape. His reputation for personal integrity won him admiration among segments of the population, particularly in the North. His supporters saw him as a disciplined, incorruptible leader who did his best in the face of mounting national challenges.
Tributes have begun to pour in from world leaders, African heads of state, and prominent Nigerian political figures. Current Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed his condolences, calling Buhari “a patriot who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria, both in and out of uniform.”
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in collaboration with the Nigerian government. His death marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of Nigeria—one shaped by military rule, political rebirth, and an enduring quest for national progress.