President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the late former president Muhammadu Buhari as a leader whose life was defined by duty, integrity, and steadfast devotion to Nigeria’s unity and progress.
In a personal statement released on Sunday, Tinubu confirmed Buhari’s passing in a London hospital after a prolonged illness. The retired major general and two-time head of state was 82.
“It is with profound sorrow that I announce the passing of His Excellency, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), GCFR, my predecessor and friend,” Tinubu wrote.
Praising Buhari’s record, Tinubu highlighted the late president’s leadership during Nigeria’s most difficult periods — first as military head of state from 1984 to 1985 and then as an elected president from 2015 to 2023.
“He faced the nation’s greatest trials with calm strength and unwavering faith in Nigeria’s future,” Tinubu said. “Throughout his public life, he championed anti-corruption efforts, demanded discipline, and placed national interest above all.”
Tinubu revealed that he had offered condolences directly to Mrs Aisha Buhari, the former first lady, and extended sympathies to Buhari’s family, the government and people of Katsina State, and the wider Daura Emirate.
To mark the former leader’s passing, the President ordered national flags to be flown at half-staff for seven days and convened an emergency Federal Executive Council session on Tuesday to honour Buhari’s memory.
The late president, Tinubu confirmed, would also be given full state honours “befitting his immense service to our country.”
Closing his tribute, Tinubu offered a prayer: “May Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus, and may his life continue to inspire Nigerians to serve with courage and selflessness.”
Buhari remains a singular figure in Nigeria’s history as both the nation’s seventh military ruler and fifteenth democratically elected president — a career defined by discipline, austerity, and dedication to public service.
