Nigeria’s former president and military leader, Muhammadu Buhari, has died in London at the age of 82. The news was confirmed Sunday afternoon July 13, 2025 by his long time spokesperson, Garba Shehu, who announced that the former leader passed in a UK clinic after weeks of receiving treatments.

“The family of the former President has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, this afternoon in a clinic in London,” the statement read. “May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdausi, Amin.”

Though ailing for months, the death of the retired general has sparked immediate national reflection, marking the end of a defining political chapter in post-independence Nigeria.

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From Daura to the Presidency

Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Kastina State, Buhari rose from humble beginnings as the 23rd child in his family to become one of Nigeria’s most polarising national figures. A career soldier, he entered the Nigerian Army in 1961 and eventually seized power in 1983 after a military coup ousted the civilian government.

His brief rule was known for its strict discipline and infamous War against Indiscipline, before he was overthrown in a counter coup in 1985 by retired major General Ibrahim Babaginda.  

But in a twist of democracy irony, Buhari made a political comeback three decades later.

After three failed attempts, he finally won the 2015 presidential election under the All Progressive Congress (APC), becoming the first opposition candidate in Nigeria’s history to defeat a sitting president. He was re-elected in 2019 and completed his second term in 2023.

Buhari came into office on the back of powerful reformist and anti-corruption message. He was branded a no-nonsense leader with military integrity. Decorated with honours like Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), Buhari also received numerous military medals, including the Congo Medal and the Defence Service Medal.

Some saw Buhari as a man who tried to clean up a corrupt system and restore discipline, but to others, he represented an era of extreme hardship, which his successor has made even worse.

No funeral arrangements have been publicly announced at press time. President Bola Tinubu is expected to release a formal state response and may declare a national day of mourning.

What is clear is that Muhammadu Buhari’s death will prompt renewed debates over the kind of leadership Nigeria needs. His story, from military barracks to democratic ballot l, is a study in power, ambition, and legacy

For now, flags may fly at half-mast, but the conversations around his impact are only just beginning.

Anita Chinedu