The family of former President Muhammadu Buhari announced his death on Sunday. The former president died at a clinic in London, according to his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, and former aide, Bashir Ahmad.
Buhari was said to be 80 or 81 years old, although some sources reported him as 82. He served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023 and previously as a Military Head of State from 1983 to 1985.
His funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in accordance with Islamic rites
Buhari had been receiving medical treatment in London before his passing, having initially traveled for a routine medical check-up in April.
Buhari is survived by his wife, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, and eight children.
Buhari made his mark while serving Nigeria – Makinde
Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde has mourned former President Muhamadu Buhari saying the ex president made his mark during his tenure.
This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Ibadan by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr Suleimon Olanrewaju.
Makinde, who described the death of the Nigeria’s immediate past president as “unexpected”, expressed his condolences to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Bola Tinubu.
He equally commiserated with the wife of the former president, Hajia Aisha Buhari and his entire family, praying to God to grant repose to his soul.
He also prayed that God should grant the former Military Head of State Aljanah Firdaus.
Barau mourns Ex-President Buhari
Similarly, Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Jibrin Barau, has expressed his sadness over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, in London on Sunday at 82.
Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, said the late former president was an untiring promoter of peace and unity in the country.
He said the late Buhari, who served twice as Nigerian leader, first as a military ruler (1983 -1985) and then as President between 2015 and 2023, had a clear vision for Nigeria’s unity and progress.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. I mourn the passing of the former President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, who died today (Sunday) in London.
“President Buhari was not just a towering figure in our nation’s history but a man whose life embodied discipline, resilience, and patriotism. Throughout his lifetime, he was committed to Nigeria’s unity, security and development.
“He served with honour in both military and civilian leadership and history will remember him for his efforts to reshape our nation’s trajectory,” he said.
“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. I offer condolences to his beloved wife, Aisha Buhari, the children, and all the family members. May Allah SWT give them the strength to bear this irreparable loss, Amin”.
Lagos Speaker mourns Buhari’s death
Also, the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has described the death of the immediate past President, Retired Gen.Muhammadu Buhari, as a great loss to Nigeria.
Obasa,in his condolence message in Lagos on Sunday, said the country had lost a true patriot and a great leader with the death of the former president.
The Speaker said Buhari served the country well as leader, leaving a legacy of honesty and integrity.
He said: “The late former president left no one in doubt with a legacy of honesty and integrity as a former head of state under military era and a civilian president.
“Buhari was committed to good governance, electoral reform, settling the Niger Delta quagmire, rule of law and electoral reform and initiated signed amendment of the 1999 constitution into law, among others.
“Buhari lived a simple and honest life and this was shorn of the ostentation and vanity that have been brought to defame governance and power in Nigeria.
“He also brought simplicity to governance in Nigeria and never elevated himself above the country.”
Obasa commiserated with his family people of Katsina State, Nigerians over the loss, praying God to grant his soul peaceful repose.
Buhari is survived by his wife, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, and eight children.