Former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, has died at the age of 82. His family announced on Sunday, July 13, 2025, that he passed away in a London hospital after a long illness.
Buhari, a retired major general in the army, served Nigeria both as a military ruler and a democratically elected president. He first led the country from 1983 to 1985 after a military takeover. Many years later, in 2015, he became president again after winning the election under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His victory in 2015 was historic because it was the first time a sitting president, Goodluck Jonathan, lost an election in Nigeria. Buhari was re-elected in 2019, defeating Atiku Abubakar with over three million votes.
Known for his fight against corruption and strict lifestyle, Buhari was a strong figure in Nigerian politics. He ran for president three times before finally winning in 2015.
According to his family, Buhari had been battling health issues since his time in office. “May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus,” said family spokesperson, Garba Shehu, in a short message.
Buhari was born on December 17, 1942. His leadership left a lasting mark on the country. Many Nigerians are now mourning his loss.
Before he left office in 2023, a video captured Buhari’s emotional farewell to the nation. In it, he said:
“Whoever thought there had been some form of injustice on him, we are all humans. There is no doubt I hurt some people and I wish they pardon me. And those that think I’ve hurt them so much, please pardon me.”
The family has not yet announced funeral arrangements. More details are expected in the coming days.