Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at a clinic in London, United Kingdom, after a period of illness, his spokesperson Garba Shehu confirmed.
In a statement posted on his X handle, @GarShehu, Shehu tweeted, “The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin.” Buhari was 81 or 82 years old, according to various reports.
The former president served as Nigeria’s military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. His death marks the end of a significant chapter in Nigeria’s political history.
Details about funeral arrangements and official government responses are expected to be announced in due course.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to accompany late Buhari’s dead body back to Nigeria.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President) on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow and offered his deep condolences.
“President Tinubu has also ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.”
Former President Buhari was twice elected Nigeria’s President in 2015 and 2023.
He also served as military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985.
President Tinubu has ordered flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader.
