Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Dies at 82 in London

London/Abuja, July 14: Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s former president and a pivotal figure in the nation's post-independence history, passed away on Sunday in London following a prolonged illness. He was 82. The announcement was made by a spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, who confirmed that arrangements are underway to repatriate Buhari’s body to Nigeria for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

“President Buhari died today in London at about 4:30 p.m. (1530 GMT), following a prolonged illness,” the spokesperson stated, adding that Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila have been directed to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany the late leader’s remains back to his home state of Katsina in northwestern Nigeria.

A devout Muslim, Buhari will be buried in accordance with Islamic traditions in his hometown of Daura, government officials confirmed.

From Soldier to Statesman

Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari joined the Nigerian Army at the age of 19 and rose to the rank of Major General. He first assumed power in 1983 through a military coup, promising to restore discipline and fight corruption in what was then a turbulent and mismanaged civilian administration.

His military rule was marked by a strict disciplinarian approach—ranging from fiscal conservatism in dealing with the International Monetary Fund to cracking down on everyday disorder. However, his government’s attempt in 1984 to abduct a former minister living in exile in the UK ended in failure, marking a major diplomatic scandal. His tenure as head of state ended abruptly in 1985 when he was deposed by General Ibrahim Babangida.

Return to Power Through the Ballot

After decades in political obscurity and several failed presidential bids, Buhari made history in 2015 by defeating incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan in what was widely hailed as Nigeria’s fairest election to date. With that victory, he became the first Nigerian opposition candidate to unseat a sitting president through democratic means.

Describing himself as a “converted democrat,” Buhari swapped his military fatigues for civilian garb and positioned himself as a champion of anti-corruption and national security. His rallying cry — “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody” — struck a chord with voters disillusioned by years of perceived elite misrule.

A Legacy of Mixed Results

Despite high hopes, Buhari’s presidency was marred by economic stagnation, rising insecurity, and criticism over his leadership style. His first term began amid the Boko Haram insurgency and was further complicated by a steep drop in global oil prices. Delays in appointing his cabinet, along with controversial currency policies, earned him the moniker “Baba Go Slow.”

His anti-corruption campaign, central to his political identity, struggled to deliver high-profile convictions and was frequently criticized as selective. Rights groups accused his government of maintaining autocratic tendencies — most notably in 2020, when unarmed demonstrators protesting police brutality were shot in Lagos, triggering nationwide unrest.

Despite these challenges, Buhari retained strong support in Nigeria’s poor, largely Muslim north, securing re-election in 2019. His second term witnessed Nigeria’s first recession in a generation, continued attacks on oil infrastructure, and ongoing medical absences for an undisclosed illness.

Building for the Future

In his later years, Buhari emphasized large-scale infrastructure development as the cornerstone of his legacy. He championed projects such as rail lines, airports, roads, dams, and power facilities, asserting that these initiatives would lay the foundation for long-term economic stability.

Yet, by the end of his tenure in 2023, the country remained beset by security threats, widespread corruption, and economic instability. Oil production — Nigeria’s lifeblood — fell to a 20-year low due to rampant theft in the Niger Delta, further straining public finances.

Final Years

Though he left office amid growing public discontent, Buhari remains a defining figure in Nigeria’s political evolution—revered by some for his anti-graft convictions and criticized by others for missed opportunities and heavy-handed governance.

His death comes at a delicate time for Nigeria, as the Tinubu administration grapples with the same structural issues that plagued Buhari’s years in office: a volatile economy, persistent insecurity, and an electorate hungry for progress.

President Tinubu is expected to deliver a formal address honoring Buhari’s contributions in the coming days. Funeral arrangements are currently underway.