Former President Muhammadu Buhari has died at the age of 82 in London on Sunday, July 13, 2025, where he had been receiving medical treatment.
His passing, confirmed by his press secretary and later by the presidency, marks the end of a chapter in Nigeria’s political history.
Buhari first rose to prominence as Nigeria’s military head of state following the coup of December 31, 1983, ruling until August 27, 1985, before being overthrown by Ibrahim Babangida.
After a lengthy break from frontline politics, he re-emerged as a democratic contender, winning the presidency in 2015 and making history as the first Nigerian to unseat an incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan . He secured re-election in 2019, serving until May 29, 2023, when he was succeeded by Bola Tinubu.
Tenure Defined by Challenge
During his civilian presidency, Buhari was lauded and criticized for his firm stance on anti-corruption and disciplined governance. He implemented austerity measures intended to restore fiscal control but struggled with Nigeria’s challenging economic climate, marked by high inflation and unemployment, particularly after the global impacts of COVID-19 and the Ukraine war .
His administration wrestled with persistent insecurity, notably the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, widespread Banditry in the northwest, herdsmen-farmer violence in the middle belt, and general kidnapping incidents across the country.
Controversy and Polarization
Buhari’s rule was also controversial. Critics argue his tenure deepened social divisions with accusations of ethnoreligious bias and failure to manage Nigeria’s complex ethnic landscape . Others praised his consistency, austerity, and efforts to enforce discipline across society.