A brief statement signed by his longtime spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on Saturday confirmed the development, saying the former leader passed away in a London clinic earlier today.
The statement, written in Arabic and English, read in part: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. The family of the former president has announced the passing on of Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin.”
As of the time of filing this report, no further details have been provided regarding the cause of death.
However, Buhari had long battled health challenges, most notably during his presidency when he spent over 150 cumulative days in London for medical treatment between 2017 and 2018.
Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari served as Nigeria’s military Head of State between 1983 and 1985, before returning to power as a democratically elected president in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He served two terms, handing over to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in May 2023.
His administration was marked by efforts to combat corruption, insecurity, and revive the economy, though it faced widespread criticism over worsening insecurity, human rights concerns, and economic hardship.
Buhari’s death comes amid ongoing political realignments within the APC and a period of intense economic reform under his successor.
Condolence messages have begun pouring in from political leaders, religious groups, and international stakeholders, with many highlighting his influence on Nigeria’s political evolution over five decades.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in line with Islamic rites.
More details shortly…
