Keypoints:
- Buhari died in London at 82 after illness
- Served as president from 2015 to 2023
- Also ruled as military leader in 1980s
NIGERIA’S former president Muhammadu Buhari has died at the age of 82, the country’s presidency confirmed on Sunday, July 13. Buhari, who led Nigeria as a civilian from 2015 to 2023 and had previously served as a military ruler in the 1980s, passed away in London following a prolonged illness.
A statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) by President Bola Tinubu’s official spokesperson read: ‘President Buhari died today in London at about 4:30 p.m. (1530 GMT), following a prolonged illness.’
The news ends weeks of speculation surrounding Buhari’s health, as the former leader had not been seen publicly for some time.
Twice Nigeria’s leader – by the gun and the ballot
Born in 1942, Buhari first came to power in January 1984 through a military coup that ousted the democratically elected government of Shehu Shagari. He ruled Nigeria with a firm hand until he was overthrown in August 1985.
More than three decades later, Buhari returned to lead Africa’s most populous nation – this time through the ballot box. In 2015, he won a historic election under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, defeating incumbent president Goodluck Jonathan. He secured re-election in 2019 and served two full terms marked by economic challenges, security threats, and anti-corruption efforts.
During his presidency, Buhari gained both praise and criticism for his tough stance on graft and for his handling of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, particularly the Boko Haram insurgency and rising banditry in the north.
Legacy of mixed reviews
Reactions have begun pouring in from across Nigeria and beyond. While his supporters hail him as a patriot who prioritised discipline and national interest, critics argue that his tenure was marred by economic stagnation, repression of dissent, and ethnic favouritism.
His economic policies, which leaned towards protectionism and centralised fiscal control, received sharp criticism fr
om market analysts, even as others credited him with laying foundations for long-term reforms in agriculture and infrastructure.
Buhari spent considerable time in London during his presidency for medical treatment, fuelling concerns about transparency and governance.
Tributes and national reflection
As news of his death spreads, flags across key Nigerian institutions are expected to fly at half-mast. Tinubu’s government is also expected to announce a period of national mourning.
Buhari is survived by his wife, Aisha, and severa
l children.
