As the nation continues to adapt to the demise of Nigeria’s former president, Muhammadu Buhari, tributes have continue to pour in for the late military and democratic leader of the country.
President Buhari died in a London clinic at the age of 82 after he reportedly travelled to the UK in April for a routine medical check-up but subsequently fell ill.
Nigeria’s current leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said “It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), GCFR, my predecessor, who departed this life today, Sunday, July 13, 2025, at a hospital in the United Kingdom.
“President Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures. He served Nigeria with unwavering dedication, first as a military leader from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023. Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life.
“He stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential. He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn.
“In this moment of national mourning, I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Aisha, with whom I have been in constant touch, his children, the entire Buhari family, and all who knew and loved him.
“I also extend my condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, most especially the people and traditional leaders of Daura Emirate.
“We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.
“As a mark of respect to our former leader, I have directed that all national flags fly at half-staff across the country for seven days from today. I have also summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council session on Tuesday, dedicated to his honour.
“The Federal Government will accord President Buhari full state honours befitting his towering contributions to our country. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.
“And may his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness.”
Former President Goodluck Jonathan said “It is with a heavy heart and profound sense of national loss that I received the news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari who died at the age of 82.
“President Buhari was a notable leader, patriot, and elder statesman who served our beloved nation as both a military Head of State and President, to the best of his abilities.
“He will be remembered as a courageous leader, a disciplined officer, and a committed public servant who made considerable contributions towards the peace and progress of our dear nation.
“The late President was deeply admired across the strata of society for his decency, integrity and exemplary life of service. As a leader, he was selfless in his commitment to his duty and served the country with character and a deep sense of patriotism.
“In his passing, Nigeria has lost one of its foremost leaders, and I have lost a respected colleague and elder. His legacy will continue to endure in the hearts of all who value sacrifice, integrity, perseverance and devotion to national ethos.
“On behalf of my family and the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the good people of Katsina State and all Nigerians who mourn this great loss.
“May Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Jannatul Firdaus.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a man whose life was defined by unflinching patriotism, stoic discipline, and a lifelong commitment to the sovereignty and unity of our great nation.
“President Buhari was not just a former Head of State, he was a symbol of Nigeria’s resilience. From the battlefield to the corridors of power, he served with the kind of austere conviction and firm belief in duty that marked him as a soldier of principle and a leader of formidable will.
“His death is not just a loss to his immediate family and the people of Daura, it is a profound national tragedy. Nigeria has lost a statesman who bore the burdens of leadership in both turbulent and triumphant times and whose legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
“To his beloved family, I offer my deepest condolences. I pray for strength and comfort in this time of grief. To the people of Katsina State and the entire nation, I mourn with you. May we all take solace in the knowledge that he gave his life to the service of Nigeria and never wavered in his belief in her promise.
“May Allah, the Most Merciful, forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus.”
Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi said “I have just received the very sad news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari in London. His death provides a solemn moment, not just for his family and close associates, but for our nation as a whole.
“President Buhari has always comported himself in a dignified manner as a leader. To his wife, children, extended family, and to all Nigerians I extend my deepest condolences.
“May Almighty Allah, Most Gracious and Most Merciful, forgive President Buhari’s shortcomings, reward his efforts in service to the nation, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.”
Former Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola said “INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHIR RAJI’UN. Today we bid farewell to President Muhammadu Buhari, a leader who served Nigeria with deep conviction and unwavering principle. His commitment to integrity and national unity defined his public service.
“Nigeria has lost a statesman who believed deeply in our potential as one nation. We have gained the enduring example of a leader who remained true to his values.
“May Allah forgive him, accept his service, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus. Our prayers are with his family and all Nigerians in this moment of reflection.”
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa said “I received the news of the passing of former president Muhammadu Buhari this afternoon. It’s one death that grieves but our faith in God Almighty who gives and takes remains unshakable.
“I commiserate with the immediate family of our deceased leader on the passing of their illustrious son, great grandfather, grandfather, father and husband.
“My deepest condolences go to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the passing of his predecessor, Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina state as well as the people and government of Katsina state, the All Progressive Congress and all Nigerians at large.
“Former president Buhari lived a fulfilled life. He was audacious, prudent, contented, strong-willed and compassionate.
“President Buhari was a man who valued his integrity and couldn’t hide his feelings. He was jocular and could make anyone smile even in difficult situations. This, he displayed when I, alongside other progressive governors, met him in Kaduna three months ago.
“We can only take solace in his fulfilled life while we pray to Allah to grant him the best of paradise in the hereafter. Farewell, great General, patriot and leader.”
