Former Nigerian Leader Muhammadu Buhari Dies Aged 82
Nigeria’s former President and one of its most defining post-independence figures, Muhammadu Buhari, has died. He was 82.
Buhari passed away on Saturday afternoon in London, United Kingdom, where he had reportedly been receiving medical care in recent weeks. The precise cause of death has yet to be disclosed.
Confirmation of his passing came in a brief but solemn message from his longtime spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, who took to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, @GarShehu, at 5:11 p.m. to relay the family’s announcement.
“The family of the former President has announced the passing on of the former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin,” the statement read.
Buhari’s death brings to a close a remarkable public life that spanned more than four decades, during which he served Nigeria both as a military ruler and as an elected civilian president, a distinction shared by only one other Nigerian leader, Olusegun Obasanjo.
The Presidency is expected to announce national mourning protocols, which will likely include flying the national flag at half-mast, condolence registers at embassies and government houses, and preparations for a state funeral.
Muhammadu Buhari is survived by his wife, Aisha Buhari, children, grandchildren, and a country forever shaped by his presence in its political and military history.
Native Reporters
