Ex-Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Dies at 82

Leader, Military Ruler, and Two-Term President Passes in London

Nigeria is mourning the loss of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away Sunday in London at the age of 82. His death was confirmed by his aide and the presidency.

A Dual Legacy: From Strongman to Elected Leader

Buhari, who previously led Nigeria as a military ruler in the 1980s before being democratically elected, served two presidential terms from 2015 to 2023. Current President Bola Tinubu announced the passing, stating Buhari died in London around 4:30 pm local time following a protracted illness, the specifics of which were not disclosed.

“The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, this afternoon in a clinic in London,”

—Garba Shehu, Former Spokesman for President Buhari

President Tinubu has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honour of his predecessor. He also spoke with Buhari‘s widow and dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima to the UK to accompany the former president’s body back to Nigeria.

Health Concerns Shadowed Presidency

Throughout his presidency, Buhari‘s health was a frequent subject of speculation and public concern. His numerous medical trips abroad drew criticism regarding government transparency and raised questions about leadership continuity during his absences. Reports indicate that during one trip, Buhari himself acknowledged being gravely ill and having undergone multiple blood transfusions.

These recurrent medical visits also highlighted the inadequacies of Nigeria’s domestic healthcare system, a point frequently raised by critics. For instance, in 2017, Buhari spent nearly three months in the UK for medical treatment, a period that generated significant public discussion.

Behind-the-Scenes Revelations

A recent publication by Buhari‘s former aide, Garba Shehu, titled “According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesperson’s Experience,” reportedly includes an admission of fabricating a story about pest infestations in the presidential office in 2017. This narrative, according to local media, was allegedly created to divert public attention from pressing concerns about the then-leader’s health.

The African Development Bank reports that Nigeria’s health sector received approximately 5.6% of the national budget in 2023, a figure that has been criticized as insufficient for the country’s needs (African Development Bank).