It was a solemn Sunday evening for Nigerians across the globe as the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari was officially confirmed. The announcement, made by President Bola Tinubu’s media aide Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the 82-year-old former leader passed away in London, United Kingdom, following a brief illness.
Though the family has remained silent on the exact cause of death, multiple reports have suggested that Buhari had been battling blood cancer, specifically leukemia, in the months leading to his demise.
As the nation grapples with the news, tributes have poured in from global leaders, politicians across party lines, and ordinary Nigerians. Social media and mainstream outlets were flooded with eulogies celebrating the life and legacy of the late statesman who led the country both as a military ruler and later as a democratically elected president.
Leading socio-political organizations, including the pan-Yoruba group Afenifere and the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), expressed their profound sorrow over Buhari’s passing, describing it as the end of an era in Nigerian political history.
Comrade Jare Ajayi, National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, offered heartfelt condolences in an interview with Africa Live News, acknowledging Buhari’s complex yet significant contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape. “Among the things for which people will continue to remember him was how the administration he led, with the support of late General Tunde Idiagbon, made it known that Nigerians can lead a disciplined life,” Ajayi remarked.
He further noted that although the discipline and orderliness instilled during Buhari’s military rule were not sustained by successive governments, his leadership left a lasting impression. “The noble image that his government as military Head of State would have earned was stained by some of the draconian steps that the administration took, including scant regard for human rights,” he added.
Ajayi also reflected on Buhari’s return to power in 2015 as a civilian leader, saying it reshaped public perception of him. “His second coming sort of demystified the image of a no-nonsense man that he had. But one lesson stands out — the ‘never-say-die’ spirit he showed in his political journey. After several failed attempts at the presidency, he never gave up. That is a strong message for anyone pursuing a noble goal,” he stated.
Despite describing Buhari’s eight-year civilian presidency as a “mixed grill,” Ajayi acknowledged that the former leader did his best given the circumstances. Afenifere extended its sympathy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Buhari family, and the nation. “May the Almighty Allah forgive his sins and grant him Aljannah Firdaus,” Ajayi concluded.
In northern Nigeria, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum echoed similar sentiments. Speaking with Africa Live News, AYCF President General Yerima Shettima described Buhari’s passing as a historic moment. “This marks the end of an era in Nigerian politics, and we take this moment to reflect on his life, legacy, and the profound impact he had on our nation,” Shettima said.
He urged Nigerians to honour Buhari’s legacy by striving for unity, integrity, and national development. “We call on all citizens to reflect on the lessons learned from President Buhari’s life and to strive for a Nigeria that embodies his vision of integrity, unity, and progress. Let us come together as a nation to ensure that his legacy lives on through our collective efforts,” he stated.
Preparations for Buhari’s burial began immediately. His body, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other top government officials, was flown back to Nigeria late Sunday. He is scheduled to be buried today, Monday, in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites.
After completing his second term in office on May 29, 2023, Buhari retired to Daura, where he was said to have resumed his peaceful pastoral life, tending to cattle. However, he later relocated to his Kaduna residence in February 2025, a move many observers linked to early preparations for the 2027 general elections.
News of his death drew hundreds of mourners to his Kaduna home on Sunday night. Former Minister of Water Resources, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu, was among the first to arrive and pay respects to the late leader. Security was immediately reinforced in the area. Two military gun trucks were stationed at strategic locations around the former president’s home, while heavily armed soldiers conducted foot patrols to maintain order.
Vehicular movement was restricted, and loitering was discouraged by security personnel. A similar security buildup was reported in Daura, where final arrangements were being made for the burial.
Muhammadu Buhari’s death has left Nigeria in a state of mourning. Loved and criticized in equal measure, he was a towering figure whose life and leadership left an indelible mark on the country’s political history.
