Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari dies aged 82 in London

Lagos, Nigeria. Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has died at the age of 82 while undergoing medical treatment in London, his family has confirmed.

Buhari, who served Nigeria both as a military leader and later as a democratically elected president, passed away on Sunday, July 13, according to a statement by his media aide, Bashir Ahmad, quoted by the Associated Press.

“Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un. The family of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has announced his passing this afternoon at a clinic in London. May Almighty Allah grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, Ameen,” Ahmad wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Buhari first assumed national leadership in 1983 following a military coup, and returned to power in 2015 as a civilian president. His years in office were defined by economic turbulence, intensifying security threats, and a firm stance against corruption.

Military rise and rule

Born on 17 December 1942 in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari joined the Nigerian Army in 1961. He received military training in Nigeria as well as in the United Kingdom, India, and the United States.

He held several senior command positions, including that of Military Governor of the former North-Eastern State (now Borno State), and was appointed Federal Commissioner for Petroleum Resources in 1976. During the same period, he also served as Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Buhari came to power as Head of State on 31 December 1983 after leading a coup that ousted the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari. His military regime was known for the War Against Indiscipline (WAI), a campaign aimed at tackling corruption and instilling civic order.

While he introduced a range of economic reforms, his government also faced criticism for suppressing press freedom and political dissent. He was overthrown in August 1985 by General Ibrahim Babangida and detained until 1988.

He later chaired the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) from 1994 to 1999 under the administration of General Sani Abacha.

Political comeback

After Nigeria’s return to democratic rule, Buhari launched a political career, contesting for the presidency in 2003 and 2007 under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and again in 2011 under the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), which he helped establish.

Despite repeated defeats, he gained a reputation as an incorruptible leader and a relentless critic of the political establishment.

In 2014, Buhari was chosen as the presidential candidate for the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC). Running on a platform of anti-corruption and security, he defeated then-President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 general election—marking the first peaceful transfer of power from one Nigerian president to another through the ballot box.

He was sworn in on 29 May 2015.

Two-term presidency

During his first term (2015–2019), Buhari prioritised security, anti-corruption efforts, and economic reform. Notable initiatives included the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and public sector audits aimed at reducing waste and increasing transparency.

He secured a second term in 2019, defeating former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

His final years in office were marked by persistent security threats, including the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, rampant banditry and kidnappings across the country, as well as economic stagnation caused by falling oil prices and inflation.

Buhari completed his second term in 2023 and was succeeded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Details about funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.