Ex-Nigerian leader passes away in London
(MENAFN) Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari has passed away in London following a lengthy illness, Nigerian officials have confirmed. The 82-year-old, who first ruled Africa’s most populous country as a military leader from 1984 to 1985 after a coup, later returned as a democratically elected president, serving two terms from 2015 to 2023.
Buhari died on Sunday afternoon at a London clinic, his spokesman Garba Shehu announced on X (formerly Twitter). Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed his “profound sorrow” at the news, offering condolences to Buhari’s widow and family.
“Buhari was, through and through, a patriot, a soldier, and a statesman,” Tinubu said in a statement, praising his “steadfast dedication” and efforts toward Nigeria’s unity and progress. “He stood firm through turbulent times, fought corruption, promoted discipline in public service, and always prioritized the country over personal interest.”
Tinubu also revealed that Vice President Kashim Shettima has been instructed to travel to the UK to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria for a state funeral.
Buhari originally came to power through a military coup on December 31, 1983, ousting then-President Shehu Shagari. During his 20-month rule, he launched efforts to combat corruption and enforce public discipline but faced criticism over alleged human rights violations. His administration’s botched attempt to kidnap exiled minister Umaru Dikko in London severely strained relations with the UK.
He was removed from office in a 1985 coup but later reinvented himself as a democratic politician, eventually defeating incumbent Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 — marking the first time an opposition candidate unseated a sitting Nigerian president.
Though Buhari’s anti-corruption efforts initially drew praise, his presidency was later marred by worsening security issues and economic challenges. His response to the 2020 #EndSARS protests against police brutality, particularly the alleged shootings of peaceful demonstrators at the Lekki Toll Gate, attracted widespread international criticism.
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