Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a patriot who served Nigeria with distinction in various roles — as a soldier, an administrator, and a statesman.
Buhari died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m. in London, United Kingdom, following a prolonged illness. Although his family has not officially disclosed the cause of death, reports suggest that the former president had been quietly battling blood cancer, specifically leukemia, in the final months of his life.
In a heartfelt reaction to the news, President Obasanjo spoke to Africa Live News on Sunday evening, paying tribute to his former military colleague and fellow national leader. According to Obasanjo, Buhari’s passing comes at a critical juncture in Nigeria’s history — a time when the nation could have benefitted immensely from his vast experience and steady voice.
“It is with a heavy heart that I received this afternoon the passing to glory of a colleague, a comrade, co-patriot, General Muhammadu Buhari,” Obasanjo said. “As a soldier, he played his role as soldier; as an administrator, he played his role as an administrator; as a statesman, he played his role as a statesman.”
He continued, “His demise comes at a time like this that we need the totality of the experience and what I may call statesmanship of all of those who have had opportunity to run the affairs of this country in the past to get us out of the situation we are in. He will be sorely missed, and may his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Obasanjo and Buhari shared a complex political history but a mutual respect for each other’s contributions to Nigeria’s governance. Both men are among the few Nigerians to have led the country in both military and civilian capacities. Their journeys also reflect the turbulent and transitional nature of Nigerian politics from military rule to democratic governance.
Muhammadu Buhari first seized national leadership as a military ruler on December 31, 1983, after a coup d’état that ousted President Shehu Shagari’s civilian government. At the time, Nigeria was facing severe economic hardship, widespread corruption, and political instability. Buhari’s military regime — run alongside his then-second-in-command, the late General Tunde Idiagbon — was characterized by its strict discipline, anti-corruption drive, and efforts to restore national order.
Though his administration drew praise for its efforts at instilling discipline and accountability, it also faced heavy criticism over its harsh policies, suppression of the press, and human rights violations. In 1985, Buhari was removed from power by another military coup led by General Ibrahim Babangida.
Decades later, after repeated attempts to return to national leadership through democratic means, Buhari made history by becoming the first opposition candidate in Nigeria’s political history to defeat an incumbent president in a general election. He was elected as Nigeria’s civilian president in 2015 under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and went on to serve two terms, completing his tenure in 2023.
Throughout his eight years in office, Buhari faced numerous challenges — from economic recession and escalating insecurity to youth unemployment and secessionist tensions. His administration was marked by bold infrastructure initiatives, efforts to recover stolen assets, and controversial policies on national security and governance. While some praised his commitment to fighting corruption and investing in development projects, others criticized him for perceived ethnic favoritism, limited responsiveness to national crises, and the overall state of the economy under his watch.
Despite these criticisms, Buhari remained a revered figure in northern Nigeria, where he was admired for his perceived integrity, religious devotion, and austere lifestyle. His supporters saw him as a symbol of stability and moral leadership in a country often plagued by corruption and political excess.
Following his retirement from active politics in May 2023, Buhari returned to his hometown of Daura in Katsina State, where he reportedly devoted his time to farming and caring for his cattle. However, in February 2025, he relocated to his residence in Kaduna, a move that sparked speculation about his continued influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
His final days were spent quietly, away from the spotlight. News of his passing triggered an immediate wave of mourning across Nigeria and beyond. Crowds gathered outside his Kaduna residence on Sunday evening, with dignitaries, political allies, and citizens paying their respects. Former ministers, governors, and close associates were seen visiting his family, while security around the residence was significantly heightened.
His remains, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other top government officials, were flown to Nigeria shortly after his death. Buhari is scheduled to be buried today, Monday, in Daura, in accordance with Islamic rites. Security agencies have already deployed personnel to ensure order during the burial proceedings, with roadblocks and military patrols seen around his hometown.
As Nigeria mourns the loss of a man who twice occupied the nation’s highest office, many have taken to social media and public platforms to share their memories, reflections, and criticisms — acknowledging that Buhari’s life and legacy will remain an indelible part of Nigeria’s political history.
Obasanjo’s tribute stands out as a rare moment of solidarity and statesmanship, as one former head of state salutes another — not just for his service, but for his enduring presence in Nigeria’s national consciousness.
“May the Almighty grant him Aljanah Firdaus,” Obasanjo concluded.
