Vice President Kashim Shettima and President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, have arrived in London to receive the body of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday evening.
The Nigerian delegation, which landed in the UK early Monday morning, was welcomed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, among other top government officials.
President Tinubu had personally directed Shettima and Gbajabiamila to lead the high-level team to oversee the repatriation and burial arrangements of the late leader, who died at 4:30 p.m. Sunday in a London hospital after a prolonged illness.
Burial Set for Monday in Daura
According to the Presidency, Buhari’s remains will be flown to his hometown, Daura in Katsina State, for burial later today, in accordance with Islamic rites. “You know, the Islamic rites don’t take time,” a senior State House official said under anonymity.
President Tinubu is expected to attend the funeral in Daura after the arrival of the body.
A special emergency session of the Federal Executive Council has been scheduled for Tuesday in Abuja to honour Buhari.
A Political Titan Passes
Buhari, 81, served as Nigeria’s military ruler from 1983 to 1985 and later as a two-term elected civilian president between 2015 and 2023. Known for his rigid stance on discipline, he spearheaded the infamous War Against Indiscipline during his military regime.
Despite a mixed legacy, Buhari maintained a cult-like following, particularly in northern Nigeria, where he was widely referred to as “Baba Buhari.”
His Political Journey
Buhari was born in Daura, Katsina State, in 1942.
He joined the Nigerian Army in 1961 and became military Head of State in 1983.
He returned to politics in 2003 and contested five times before winning the 2015 presidential election.
He ruled as civilian president for eight years, stepping down in 2023.
Public Reactions Pour In
Condolences from across the political spectrum have continued to pour in. Many described Buhari as a man of integrity, despite controversies during his tenure.
Last week, his spokesman Garba Shehu had stated that Buhari was “recovering” after a period of hospitalization, describing his condition as “not as intense as reported.”
Buhari’s Legacy in Brief
First Military Governor of Borno State: 1976
Petroleum Minister & NNPC Chairman: 1976–1977
PTF Chairman under Abacha: 1994
Longest-serving Northern Nigerian President (Military + Civilian): Nearly 10 years
Father of 10 Children: Married to Safinatu Yusuf (1971–1988) and later to Aisha Buhari (since 1989)
Buhari’s political rise, fall, and eventual dominance reshaped Nigeria’s modern political history.
His partnership with Bola Tinubu birthed the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending the PDP’s 16-year reign in 2015.