Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has died at the age of 82, his family has confirmed. The BBC reports that Buhari passed away in a London clinic where he had been receiving medical attention.
Buhari reportedly travelled to the UK in April for what was described as a routine medical check-up, but his condition worsened over the past weeks. The exact cause of death has not yet been disclosed, but speculation about his health had long circulated during his time in office.
Born in 1942, Buhari first came to power in 1983 through a military coup, serving as Nigeria’s military ruler for 20 months before being overthrown in 1985. He returned to power in a democratic capacity in 2015, making history as the first opposition candidate in Nigeria to defeat a sitting president.
During his two-term tenure from 2015 to 2023, Buhari vowed to eradicate corruption, restore security, and revive the economy. While his administration scored some successes, it was also marked by criticism over economic stagnation, rising insecurity, and concerns over his frequent medical trips abroad.
Despite these challenges, Buhari remained a towering figure in Nigerian politics, often described as austere, disciplined, and determined to reshape Nigeria’s public institutions.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across Africa and beyond, acknowledging Buhari’s controversial but impactful legacy.
Further details, including funeral arrangements and an official government statement, are expected in the coming days.
