The family of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has announced his passing in a London clinic.
The former leader, who served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023, died quietly while undergoing medical care in the UK, where he had frequently travelled for health reasons during and after his time in office.
Details surrounding the cause of death have not yet been publicly disclosed, but the family confirmed the news in a brief statement, asking for privacy and prayers during this difficult time.
President Buhari was a towering figure in Nigerian politics, known for his anti-corruption rhetoric, military background, and strict leadership style. His tenure was marked by both acclaim and criticism from efforts to curb graft and revamp infrastructure, to widespread concerns over insecurity, human rights, and economic hardship.
Born on December 17, 1942, Buhari first came to power as a military ruler in 1983 after a coup, before returning more than three decades later as a democratically elected president. His historic comeback marked the first time an opposition candidate had defeated an incumbent at the polls in Nigeria’s history.
Tributes have begun to pour in from across Africa and beyond. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is expected to issue an official statement, while the Nigerian flag has been lowered to half-mast at government buildings in Abuja.
