The nation is in mourning following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a hospital in the United Kingdom after a prolonged illness. He was 83 years old.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a solemn statement from the State House, described the late President as “a patriot, a soldier, and a statesman” whose life was defined by “duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation.”
“President Buhari stood firm through the most turbulent times,” Tinubu said. “He led with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential.”
To honour the former leader, President Tinubu ordered all national flags across the country to fly at half-staff for seven days. An emergency session of the Federal Executive Council has also been scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025, to commemorate the late president’s legacy.
Tinubu further directed Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to immediately travel to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria for burial with full state honours.
Aisha Buhari: “He Asked Me to Seek Forgiveness on His Behalf”
The late president’s widow, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, revealed in a moving tribute that her husband had left her with a solemn instruction—to seek forgiveness from Nigerians on his behalf.
“Since he left office, this is what he constantly told me,” she said. “That if he died before me, I should beg Nigerians to forgive his mistakes while in office. He was a human being who tried his best but knew he had his shortcomings.”
She urged Nigerians to forgive him and remember him in their prayers, asking that the message be widely circulated to reach every citizen. “Don Allah, kowa ya tura wannan saƙon zuwa sauran groups don kowa ya gani muna fatan Allah ya yafe masa,” she added.
Katsina State Declares Monday, July 14, as Work-Free Day
As part of mourning activities, the Katsina State Government has declared Monday, July 14, 2025, as a public holiday in honour of the late president.
According to a press release from the Secretary to the Government of Katsina State, Abdullahi Garba Faskari, the holiday is intended to allow workers and residents of the state to join in national mourning and offer prayers for the repose of Buhari’s soul.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, in the release, described President Buhari as “a great leader, a hero, a true democrat and a patriotic elder statesman whose life was dedicated to the service of Nigeria.”
He prayed to Almighty Allah (SWT) to grant mercy to Buhari’s soul, forgive his shortcomings, and reward his good deeds with Aljannatul Firdaus.
The notice was signed by Abdullahi Aliyu Yar’adua, Director of Press, for the Secretary to the Government of Katsina State. Details regarding the funeral and burial arrangements, it noted, will be announced in due course.
Governor Radda: "Katsina Has Lost Its Most Illustrious Son"
In a separate statement, Governor Radda expressed personal grief over Buhari’s death, describing him as a father figure whose values deeply influenced his own political journey.
“Today, Nigeria has lost a patriot. Katsina has lost its most illustrious son. I have lost a father figure,” the governor said. He praised Buhari’s legacy of integrity, simplicity, and absolute dedication to the masses.
“His people-oriented programs and genuine love for the masses defined his leadership philosophy. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in our collective consciousness.”
General Babangida Pays Emotional Tribute: “A Brother, Friend, and Patriot”
Former military president and elder statesman General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd.) added his voice to the nationwide tributes in a moving personal statement titled “Tribute to a Brother, Friend, and Patriot — Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR).”
“It is with a deeply heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of my friend, my brother, my course mate, and a fellow soldier in the journey of nationhood — President Muhammadu Buhari,” Babangida wrote.
Reflecting on their shared military journey since 1962 at the Nigerian Military Training College, Babangida recalled Buhari’s early traits: quiet, resolute, principled, humble, and deeply patriotic.
“We may not have agreed on everything — as brothers often don’t — but I never once doubted his sincerity or his patriotism,” he noted.
He described Buhari as a “moral compass,” a man of faith and discipline who embodied Nigeria’s transition from the old military order to democratic rule. Babangida concluded by offering condolences to Buhari’s family and praying for Allah’s mercy upon his soul.
“May his legacy endure,” he wrote.
A Life of Service to Nigeria
Muhammadu Buhari’s legacy spans both military and democratic eras. He first led Nigeria as military Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985 before returning to power through the ballot in 2015 and being re-elected in 2019.
While his administration attracted criticism in some quarters for economic challenges and security issues, many praised him for championing anti-corruption, fiscal discipline, and infrastructural development.
He was known for his austere personal lifestyle, his consistent message of integrity, and his deep connection to his hometown of Daura in Katsina State, where he regularly returned even during his presidency.
National and Global Reactions
The news of his passing has drawn an outpouring of tributes from around the world. Political leaders, civil society groups, and ordinary Nigerians have taken to the streets and social media to express their condolences and share memories of the late president.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed that President Tinubu has been in contact with Aisha Buhari and has expressed his condolences personally.
Former presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu also issued a short message:
“The family has announced the passing of the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, this afternoon, in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus.”
A Nation in Mourning
As Nigerians across the country and abroad reflect on the life of a man who shaped the course of their nation’s history for over four decades, one thing is clear: President Muhammadu Buhari leaves behind a complex but undeniably impactful legacy.
President Tinubu’s final words capture the national sentiment:
“May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus. And may his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness.”
INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHI RAJI’UN
Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.
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Obituaries