On July 13, 2025, Nigeria lost one of its most emblematic leaders. Former President and Major-General Muhammadu Buhari passed away this afternoon in London at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness.

A leader of sobriety and resolve, Buhari twice led our nation; first as military head of state in 1983 and later as the democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, becoming the first opposition candidate to unseat an incumbent . He inspired hope with his self-proclaimed mantra of "sweeping away corruption," even brandishing a broom as his symbol during campaigns.

Major General Muhammadu Buhari: See di tins wey Nigeria see under im regime as Military Head of State - BBC News Pidgin

Today, Nigeria mourns, with President Bola Tinubu ordering flags at half-mast and dispatching Vice President Kashim Shettima to bring Buhari’s body home . Across the nation, prayers and reflections echo from north to south; especially from voters who saw in him a disciplined, incorruptible leader.

Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State. As the youngest of 23 children, he endured humble beginnings and rose through military ranks to become a major-general. His first administration as head of state (1984–1985) earned notoriety for its discipline; cheating students were jailed and tardy workers made to do frog-jumps; but was also criticized for authoritarian excesses .

Mubarak Umar on X: "MAJOR GENERAL MUHAMMADU BUHARI, THE DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA. There is nothing you can do about it. https://t.co/aOCndguyF3" / X

He was overthrown by Babangida in 1985 and spent several years detained before returning to public service in Abacha’s era. In democracy, he tried and lost three presidential campaigns, before finally securing victory in 2015 with a promise to overhaul corruption and restore accountability.

Even amid persistent economic woes, Boko Haram insurgency, and widespread protests like #EndSARS, many Nigerians admired Buhari for his moral authority and patience. Though critics branded him “Baba Go Slow,” his unwavering calm during scandals especially rumors about his private life or health revealed a man who let his discipline speak louder than words. He once calmly told a distressed Prof. Osinbanjo; his Vice: “I have many rumors about me. We have to let things slide, we can't sue everybody, there'll be no lawyers left” (paraphrased).

A Nation Reflects

From the dusty streets of Daura to London clinics, Buhari’s journey was always woven with patriotism. He weathered coups, rebellions, detentions, and global mockery. Yet, through it all, he remained devoted to national service; whether as a soldier, oil manager, or sitting president.

Buhari arrives Daura for ground breaking Transport University

As we pronounce our National Pledge today, we remember leaders like him who prioritized duty above self. While his legacy is not without controversy, his commitment to Nigeria was never in doubt.

As our government prepares for state honours and public mourning, we pay tribute not just to a man, but to an ideal: that leadership rooted in resolve, even amid turmoil, can still inspire.

May he rest in peace. 🇳🇬

Remembering Buhari: Nigeria Bids Farewell to a Complex Patriot By Fatima Adamu

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