On Sunday, July 13, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m. GMT, Nigeria—and indeed the global community—received the somber news of the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari at a private clinic in London. At 82 years old, Buhari, a towering figure who shaped Nigeria’s political landscape across decades, has left an indelible mark, sparking a wave of reflection, mourning, and debate. This blog post delves into the life, legacy, and sudden passing of the former Nigerian leader, exploring the circumstances surrounding his death, the reactions it has elicited, and the questions it raises about leadership, health, and the future of Nigeria.
A Life of Service and Controversy
Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Muhammadu Buhari rose from humble beginnings in a Fulani family to become one of Nigeria’s most influential leaders. His career spanned two distinct phases: first as a military head of state from December 31, 1983, to August 27, 1985, following a coup that ousted President Shehu Shagari, and later as a democratically elected president from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023. His journey from a military ruler enforcing the infamous War Against Indiscipline campaign to a civilian leader under the All Progressives Congress (APC) marked him as a unique figure in Nigerian history.
Buhari’s first stint in power was marked by authoritarian measures, including the detention of political opponents and a crackdown on corruption. Ousted in a 1985 coup, he reentered politics in 2002, contesting presidential elections in 2003, 2007, and 2011 before achieving a historic victory in 2015 against incumbent Goodluck Jonathan—the first time an opposition candidate defeated a sitting president in Nigeria’s democratic era. His second term, however, was fraught with challenges, including escalating insecurity from Boko Haram, economic downturns, and widespread criticism of his administration’s handling of governance.
The Circumstances of His Death
Buhari’s death came after a prolonged illness, though the exact cause remains a subject of speculation. Reports indicate he was receiving medical treatment in London, a destination he frequented during his presidency for health checkups, often shrouded in secrecy. His last known medical visit began in May 2025, coinciding with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) 50th anniversary, and his condition reportedly deteriorated in recent weeks. Activist Omoyele Sowore claimed on social media that Buhari succumbed to leukemia (blood cancer), though official statements from the Nigerian government, including President Bola Tinubu’s announcement, have not confirmed this, citing only a “prolonged illness.”
The choice of a London clinic for his final days echoes a pattern established during his presidency, where he spent significant periods abroad for treatment, including a 104-day stay in 2021. This reliance on foreign healthcare has long been a point of contention, highlighting Nigeria’s struggling health infrastructure and raising questions about the accountability of its leaders. His death in a foreign land has added a layer of poignancy to the national mourning, with Vice President Kashim Shettima dispatched to the UK to accompany his remains back to Nigeria for a state funeral.
National and Global Reactions
The news of Buhari’s passing triggered an outpouring of reactions across Nigeria and beyond. President Tinubu, in a statement released on July 13, 2025, described the loss as “profound sorrow and a heavy heart,” ordering national flags to fly at half-mast for seven days and summoning an emergency Federal Executive Council meeting for Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Tinubu also spoke with Buhari’s widow, Aisha, offering condolences, while directing Shettima to oversee the repatriation of the body for burial in Daura, Katsina State.
Prominent figures joined the chorus of tributes. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo expressed sadness, noting Buhari’s dedication to Nigeria, while Goodluck Jonathan hailed him as a “notable leader and patriot.” Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, called it a “solemn moment for the nation,” and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum described it as a “significant depletion in the ranks of Africa’s all-time great men.” Internationally, the African Development Bank’s Akinwumi Adesina and figures like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala shared their condolences, reflecting Buhari’s stature on the global stage.
On social media, reactions were mixed. While some mourned the loss of a disciplined leader, others pointed to the economic and security challenges that defined his tenure, with sentiments ranging from “sad to hear this” to critiques of Nigeria’s “retrogression” under his watch. The streets of Kaduna, where soldiers blocked access to his residence, stood deserted, symbolizing the nation’s pause to reflect on his legacy.
Legacy: A Polarizing Figure
Buhari’s legacy is as complex as his career. Supporters laud his anti-corruption stance and efforts to stabilize Nigeria’s economy, citing infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Ibadan railway. His War Against Indiscipline campaign remains a nostalgic reference for those who valued order. However, critics argue his democratic tenure exacerbated insecurity, with Boko Haram’s expansion and farmer-herder conflicts claiming thousands of lives. Economic woes, including a naira devaluation and fuel subsidy removal, fueled discontent, while allegations of nepotism and human rights abuses—such as the detention of journalists—tarnished his image.
His death has reignited these debates. Political scientist Afolabi Adekaiyaoja noted the “uneven response” to his passing, reflecting Nigeria’s division between a Muslim north that often supported him and a Christian south that grew disillusioned. Whether viewed as a steadfast champion or an out-of-touch strongman, Buhari’s impact on Nigeria’s story is undeniable, leaving a void that will shape political discourse for years.
The Health Secrecy Debate
Buhari’s frequent medical trips—totaling over 200 days abroad during his presidency—have long fueled speculation about his health. From 2017’s extended treatment to the 2021 lockdown pause and subsequent visits, the lack of transparency frustrated Nigerians, some of whom jokingly attributed his absences to “rats invading his office,” a fabricated story later admitted by aide Garba Shehu. His final illness, managed in London rather than Nigeria, underscores a systemic issue: the elite’s reliance on foreign care while public hospitals languish. This has sparked renewed calls for health sector reform, with citizens questioning why a leader could not be treated at home.
What Lies Ahead for Nigeria?
Buhari’s death marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria. As the nation prepares for a state funeral, the transition of power to Tinubu’s administration faces new scrutiny. The economic challenges Buhari left—unemployment, inflation, and debt—require urgent attention, while security threats demand a cohesive strategy. His passing also raises questions about the role of former leaders in shaping policy, with some advocating for a council of elders to guide the country’s future.
Internationally, Nigeria’s stability will be watched closely, especially given Buhari’s influence in ECOWAS and his stance on regional security. The repatriation of his remains and the state honors planned for Daura will serve as a litmus test for national unity, testing whether Nigeria can reconcile its diverse views on his legacy.
A Personal Reflection
Beyond politics, Buhari’s death invites a human perspective. A devout Muslim with an austere lifestyle, he was a family man with 10 children from two marriages. His resilience—overcoming multiple electoral defeats before triumphing in 2015—mirrors a tenacity that defined his life. Yet, his departure in a foreign clinic, away from the people he led, adds a bittersweet note to his story, prompting reflection on the burdens of leadership and the fragility of life.
A Nation in Mourning and Contemplation
The death of Muhammadu Buhari on July 13, 2025, closes a significant chapter in Nigerian history. As flags fly at half-mast and tributes pour in, the nation grapples with his dual legacy as a military ruler and democratic leader. His passing, shrouded in the mystery of his illness and the symbolism of a foreign deathbed, challenges Nigeria to address its health and governance gaps while honoring a man who, for better or worse, shaped its destiny. As the state funeral approaches, the world watches to see how Nigeria will bid farewell to its former president—and what it will learn from his life and death.
