Information reaching Diaspora Digital Media has it that former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has passed away this afternoon at a clinic in London, his family has announced.
The sad news was confirmed in a statement by his former media aide, Garba Shehu.
The statement read: “INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHI RAJI’UN. 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, Amin.”
Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023, was a retired military general and previously ruled the country as a military head of state from 1983 to 1985.
Tributes have begun pouring in from political leaders, associates, and citizens across Nigeria and beyond.
President Bola Tinubu, in a preliminary reaction, described Buhari as “a patriot who served Nigeria with dedication” and called for prayers for his soul.
Details regarding the cause of death and funeral arrangements are expected to be released by the family in the coming days.
About Buhari
Muhammadu Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria.
He was a Fulani Muslim and married Aisha Buhari in 1989, with whom he has ten children.
He joined the Nigerian Army in 1961, trained in Nigeria, the UK, and the US, and rose through the ranks.
In 1975, he became Military Governor of the Northeastern State.
He led the 1983 coup that overthrew President Shehu Shagari and ruled as military head of state until 1985, when he was ousted by General Ibrahim Babangida.
After Nigeria’s return to democracy, Buhari ran for president four times (2003, 2007, 2011, and 2015) before winning in 2015.
He served two terms as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023.
His presidency focused on security (fighting Boko Haram), economic reforms, and infrastructure but faced criticism over rising debt, inflation, and insecurity.
Before politics, he held key roles in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.