Former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, has died at the age of 82. He passed away in a London clinic where he had been undergoing medical treatment since April, family sources have confirmed.
Buhari, a towering figure in Nigerian political history, first rose to prominence as a military ruler in the 1980s before making a remarkable return decades later as a democratically elected leader. In 2015, he made history by becoming the first opposition candidate in Nigeria to defeat an incumbent president in a general election, ushering in a new chapter in the country’s democratic journey.
His presidency, which spanned from 2015 to 2023, was defined by an ambitious agenda to root out corruption, strengthen governance, and tackle the growing security threats posed by insurgent groups such as Boko Haram. While he achieved some successes, his tenure was often overshadowed by persistent health issues, which led to several extended medical stays abroad and stirred national debate about transparency in governance.
Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari served in various military and public service roles before assuming the role of head of state in a military coup in 1983. He was later overthrown in 1985 but remained a powerful voice in Nigerian politics. His eventual return to power through the ballot box was seen as a significant moment in the nation’s democratic evolution.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across Nigeria and the international community. Current and former leaders have expressed their condolences, acknowledging Buhari’s enduring impact on the Nigerian political landscape.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
By Accramail News Desk
Published: July 13, 2025
