President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed the passing away of Nigeria’s immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari in London.
Buhari died at about 4:30 pm on Sunday, July 13, 2025, after a prolonged illness. He was aged 82.
Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom immediately to accompany the remains of the former leader back to Nigeria.
“President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs. Aishat Buhari, the widow of the late President, to express his heartfelt condolences,” the statement said.
As a mark of respect for the departed statesman, Tinubu has also directed that national flags across the country be flown at half-mast.
Buhari served as Nigeria’s military Head of State between 31 December 1983 and August 1985 and returned as civilian President from 2015 to 2023. He was the first opposition politician to defeat a sitting President in Nigeria’s history.
Buhari left office as civilian President on 29 May 2023 after handing over to President Tinubu. His Presidency was marked by unclear economic policies and the country slid into recession twice in his eight-year tenure.
He had battled health issues over the years, with frequent medical visits to the United Kingdom during his Presidency.
