By Cross Udo and David Lawani, Abuja
Former president Muhammadu Buhari is dead. He passed away yesterday at 4:30 pm in a London hospital after a long battle with illness. He was 82.
President Bola Tinubu, in an official statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, announced the death of his predecessor, describing it as a moment of profound national loss.
Tinubu has directed that national flags be flown at half-mast for seven days in honour of the late leader.
The President also dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima to London to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria.
An emergency Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday (tomorrow) in honour of the former president.
In a personal tribute, Tinubu described Buhari as “a patriot, soldier, and statesman” who served Nigeria with “unwavering dedication.”
From his military rule between January 1984 and August 1985 to his democratic leadership from 2015 to 2023, Buhari, Tinubu said, lived a life of discipline, integrity, and sacrifice.
“He stood firm through turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential,” Tinubu wrote.
The President acknowledged that Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade, devotion to unity, and commitment to public service left indelible marks in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus,” he prayed, adding that Buhari’s legacy will inspire future generations to lead with courage and selflessness.
*Northern Govs’ Forum pays tribute
Reacting to the news, the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) expressed “deep shock and immense sorrow” over Buhari’s death.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, in a personally signed message, hailed the deceased as an “iconic figure” who embodied discipline, integrity, and service.
A statement by the Director-General of Press Affairs in Gombe State, Ismaila Uba Misilli, quoted the forum as saying:
“From his days as a young military officer to his tenure as a civilian president, Buhari distinguished himself as a leader of conviction and purpose. His legacy is one of sacrifice, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress.”
The NSGF described Buhari as a mentor, a moral compass, and a man who governed with courage and humility. Governor Yahaya said his death leaves “a huge vacuum that will be deeply felt across every sector of our national life.”
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his beloved family, the Daura Emirate, the government and people of Katsina State and all Nigerians,” Yahaya stated. “We pray that Almighty Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgives his shortcomings and grants him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.”
*APC mourns Buhari
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it is shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, at the age of 82.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party said Nigeria had lost an enigmatic leader, iconic elder-statesman, and exemplary patriot whose life of devoted resolve, resilience, discipline and integrity will remain evergreen in the hearts and minds of this and future generations of Nigerians.
He said, “Until his passing, Buhari led a simple but exceptional life of service to our dear nation. From his tenure as Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) to his service as a military Head of State and a two-term President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he has left behind a solid and awe-inspiring legacy of leadership and service.
“Against the backdrop of his record of military service, the departed former President was an unlikely democrat but is one of the most influential contributors to the strengthening and consolidation of our democracy.
“Aside from his stint with the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), he led the emergence of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), which later merged with other political parties to birth the APC in 2013.
“The late President Buhari made history when he became the first presidential contender to defeat an incumbent President in 2015 on the platform of APC.
“On behalf of the Acting National Chairman, Hon. Bukar Dalori, the National Working Committee (NWC), members and all stakeholders of our great Party, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the former President’s immediate family, President Bola Tinubu and the entire federal government of Nigeria, the government and people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians over this massive and irreparable loss. May the Almighty Allah grant his soul, Aljannatul Firdaus. Amen.”
*Nigeria has lost true patriot-– Osinbajo
The immediate past Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has expressed heartfelt condolences over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, saying Nigeria has lost a true patriot.
Osinbajo, who was the Vice President to the late Buhari for eight years, stated that the legacy of the former President will endure as a testament to the nobility of public service, defined by honesty, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.
In his condolence message, the former Vice President said, “Dolapo and I received, with profound sadness, the news of the passing of His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon.
“In the moments that followed, we spoke with Her Excellency Aisha Buhari and their son Yusuf Buhari to express our heartfelt condolences and to share in the deep grief of their beloved family—one with whom we had the honour of serving our nation for eight memorable years.
“Nigeria has lost a true patriot—a man whose life was marked by unyielding devotion to the nation he loved. President Buhari’s legacy will endure as a testament to the nobility of public service, defined by honesty, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.
“We pray that the Almighty God will grant comfort and strength to his family and to all who mourn his passing. May his memory always be blessed.”
