By Adamu S Ladan
Nigeria has lost one of its most consequential leaders. Former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, passed away peacefully in a London hospital on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 82.
Buhari’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu, in a message posted on X (formerly Twitter)stated:
“The family of the former president has announced the passing of Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin,”
Katsina state Governor, Dikko Umar Radda PhD, in an interview said, a state funeral is being arranged, with Janazah prayers expected to take place at his hometown, Daura, Katsina State immediately the body arrived Nigeria, Monday.
Vice President, Kashim Shattima at the time of this writing had departed to London to accompany the body back home
Announcement by Presidency late Sunday evening was met with a national outpouring of condolences, reflection, and remembrance.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a national mourning period, and directed Flags to be flown at half-mast across public buildings.
Buhari, a retired Major-General, former Head of State (1983–1985), and democratically elected President (2015–2023), was an enduring figure in Nigeria’s post-independence history. He was admired for his austere discipline, unwavering principles, and commitment to fighting corruption that no one could deny his central place in Nigeria’s journey.
Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Muhammadu Buhari joined the Nigerian Army in 1961. His military career was marked by dedication, including active service during the Nigerian Civil War and later as Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources under General Obasanjo.
In 1983, he became Nigeria’s military Head of State after a coup that overthrew the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari. His brief rule was defined by the “War Against Indiscipline”, a campaign that sought to restore order and integrity in public life.
Following his removal from power in 1985, Buhari retreated from politics for many years. But national calls for accountability brought him back into public life. He contested presidential elections in 2003, 2007, and 2011—losing each time. His historic 2015 victory on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) made him the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president in Nigeria.
Aides remember him as strict but humorous. In his inaugural address, he famously declared:
“I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody.”
Those words became the creed of his presidency—an appeal for national unity and impartial governance.
President Buhari’s defining agenda was the fight against corruption. Under his watch, billions of naira in looted funds were recovered, and critical reforms like the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Whistleblower Policy were introduced. The EFCC was empowered to pursue high-profile investigations.
Though the anti-corruption war was not without criticism. Yet for many Nigerians, his personal integrity was never in doubt.
“If you didn’t steal, why are you worried?” he once quipped to a group of journalists, in a rare moment of public humour.
Security was a persistent concern during Buhari’s administration. He inherited a nation ravaged by Boko Haram insurgency and responded by relocating military command to Maiduguri, restoring territorial control in many affected areas hitherto overwhelmed by insurgents.
Buhari’s economic legacy was unprecedented when viewed from the circumstances that prevailed at the time. His administration navigated two recessions, currency devaluations, inflation, and high unemployment. Despite these, several infrastructure projects such as the Second Niger Bridge, Lagos–Ibadan Railway, and AKK Gas Pipeline, Kano- Maradi Railway among many others were either completed or significantly advanced.
He signed into law the long-delayed Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021 and oversaw the expansion of the National Social Investment Programmes.
On the global stage, Buhari cultivated stronger ties with Nigeria’s neighbours and traditional allies. He was a steady, if understated, presence at African Union summits and UN meetings, often focused on issues of security and peace in the Sahel.
“Without peace, development is impossible. And without development, peace is fragile,” he once told world leaders at the United Nations.
Known for his modesty and dry wit, Buhari was a man of few words but firm convictions. He kept a tight daily routine and preferred local meals. When asked during an interview how he relaxed, he replied:
“My cows don’t complain.”
His simplicity endeared him to many ordinary Nigerians, this despite being criticised by some for sluggish policy responses.
To Atiku Abubakar, former Vice president, in a condolence, Buhari “gave his life to the service of Nigeria and never wavered in his belief in her promise.”
Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan described him as:
“A patriot whose life was shaped by discipline and public service. He gave his all to Nigeria.”
Muhammadu Buhari has left a legacy of a giant who will be remembered not just for what he did—but for what he symbolised. To some, he was Nigeria’s moral compass. To others, a leader out of touch with the 21st . Yet, his place in Nigeria’s modern political history is assured.
Testament from Garba Shehu’s recently released book, According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesperson’s Experience (launched July 9, 2025), highlighted President Buhari’s character and leadership. He offered a vivid portrait of President Buhari as a man of conviction, austerity, and reform, who placed substance over showmanship.
On Integrity and Modest Living, Garba Shehu said: “For eight years, I slept peacefully. No journalist ever called me at midnight to ask if my boss had stolen money.”
“President Buhari never stole a single kobo throughout his eight years in office… He lived a simple life, even while holding the highest office in the land.
Indeed late Muhammadu Buhari was a man of principle, often misunderstood—but always driven by a desire to serve.
He came, he served, and he left the country changed. Innalillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un, (From Allah we come, and to Him we shall return). Truly Buhari belong to everybody and belong to nobody. And now belong to Allah.
May Almighty forgive his shortcomings and grant his soul rest in perfect peace at jannatul fiddaus.
