Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has joined the growing number of political and national figures mourning the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in London, United Kingdom. Buhari died while receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness, bringing to a close the life of one of Nigeria’s most enduring political figures.
In a heartfelt message issued late Sunday, Ribadu described the former president as a man whose life was defined by patriotism, commitment to public service, and an unflinching sense of national duty.
“I join my fellow compatriots in mourning the passing of our revered erstwhile president, H.E. President Muhammadu Buhari,” Ribadu stated. “He would be remembered for his indelible records of service, patriotism, and strict sense of duty to our nation and its people. May Allah grant him eternal rest.”
President Buhari, who served Nigeria both as a military ruler (1983–1985) and later as a democratically elected president (2015–2023), had reportedly been battling a long-term illness. While the precise nature of the ailment was never disclosed publicly, it is widely believed that he suffered from a form of blood cancer. Over the course of his presidency, Buhari spent a cumulative total of at least 225 days outside the country on medical leave, mostly in the United Kingdom.
His longest and most publicized medical absence occurred in May 2017, when he embarked on a 104-day medical trip to London, sparking widespread speculation about the severity of his health and leading to national anxiety over governance continuity. Despite public concerns, Buhari repeatedly assured the nation of his recovery and returned to office to continue his duties.
Throughout his time in power, Buhari often appealed for prayers from Nigerians concerning his health, especially during periods of visible physical frailty. His death, therefore, though not entirely unexpected, has nonetheless cast a long shadow over the Nigerian political landscape.
Nuhu Ribadu, a longtime political ally of President Buhari and a former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), highlighted the late leader’s disciplined approach to governance and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress. Ribadu, who currently serves as the National Security Adviser under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, emphasized Buhari’s enduring legacy as a reformer and patriot.
“His leadership, both in uniform and in civilian clothes, exemplified a rare kind of resolve — one rooted in integrity, order, and an unshakable belief in the Nigerian project,” Ribadu told Africa Live News through a senior aide.
Ribadu’s tribute is part of a nationwide outpouring of condolences, with tributes coming in from all corners of the country and abroad. Former presidents, governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and foreign dignitaries have all expressed grief over Buhari’s passing, while reflecting on the legacy he leaves behind.
Muhammadu Buhari rose to national prominence as a no-nonsense military leader who overthrew President Shehu Shagari in a bloodless coup in December 1983. His military regime, marked by an anti-corruption war and strict national discipline, was eventually toppled by General Ibrahim Babangida in 1985.
In the years that followed, Buhari remained a prominent figure in national discourse — often hailed in the north as a symbol of integrity and simplicity. He ran unsuccessfully for the presidency three times before finally winning in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC), becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president in Nigeria’s history.
His civilian administration from 2015 to 2023 was marked by both praise and controversy. Buhari prioritized anti-corruption, security, and infrastructural development, but also faced criticism for worsening economic conditions, rising insecurity, and allegations of ethnic bias in appointments.
Despite these challenges, Buhari remained stoic in his approach, often repeating his mantra: “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody,” a phrase that defined his early presidency and set the tone for his perceived detachment from political favoritism.
After completing his second term in 2023, Buhari retired to his hometown of Daura in Katsina State before relocating to Kaduna in February 2025. He had remained largely out of the public spotlight, prompting speculation about his health. His quiet final months were interrupted only by the recent news of his passing, which has since triggered national mourning.
Security agencies and federal officials have since mobilized for his funeral. Buhari’s remains are being flown back to Nigeria accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other top dignitaries. He is scheduled to be buried on Monday, July 14, in accordance with Islamic rites in his hometown of Daura.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered full state honours for the late leader and summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting to be held in Buhari’s honour. National flags have been lowered to half-mast, and condolence registers have been opened at various government institutions and Nigerian embassies worldwide.
For Ribadu and many others who worked closely with Buhari, his memory will endure not only in the annals of Nigerian politics but also in the hearts of citizens who admired his disciplined, if sometimes controversial, style of leadership.
“Whether as a soldier or as a civilian president, Buhari’s service to Nigeria was full of intention and purpose. He lived for this country, and even in death, his name will continue to echo in our national story,” Ribadu said.
As the country prepares to lay one of its most polarizing yet iconic leaders to rest, the words of his allies, critics, and admirers converge on one undeniable truth — Muhammadu Buhari was a man who shaped the nation’s destiny in ways that will be studied and debated for years to come.
