Tributes pour in as Nigerian politicians, World Leaders mourn Buhari’s death

On July 13, 2025, Nigerians awoke to the solemn news that Muhammadu Buhari had died in a London hospital after a prolonged illness.

At 82, the former military head of state and two-term civilian president left behind a deeply divided legacy, admired by many for his integrity and discipline, but criticized for his economic and security record .

Confirming his death, President Bola Tinubu is predecessor wrote on his official X Handle:

“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.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria“

Since the official announcement of his demise, official statements and personal tributes from across the country have begun shaping the narrative of his life and impact.

1. President of the Senate (Godswill Akpabio. GCON): Buhari was a statesman, leader of great integrity

“It is with profound sadness that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I am deeply pained that he died when his wise counsel is needed most in this country.

“On behalf of my family and constituents, the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the entire National Assembly, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the late President, especially his wife, Hajia Aisha Buhari, and the children, friends and political associates, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Governor Dikko Umar Radda, the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Farouk Umar Farouk, the people of Katsina state and Nigeria generally, over the passing of this great man.

Through hard work, patience, uncommon resilience and discipline, Gen. Buhari became the first opposition candidate to defeat a sitting president in the history of Nigeria.

His leadership and legacy will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to our nation’s development and stability. His life signified honesty, truth and justice; he was indeed, the real ‘Mai Gaskiya’.

“Having worked closely with former President Buhari as a minister under his administration, I can attest to the fact that he lived a Spartan life, thinking about the welfare of the people, especially the less privileged and was a leader worth emulating because he meant well for Nigeria and did his best to advance the cause of the people.

“May God comfort the family and his loved ones during this difficult time and may we continue to draw inspiration from his service to our great nation.

“May Allah grant him Aljannatul Firdaus in his eternal kingdom.”

2. Mallam Nasir El-Rufai: Tribute to a Mentor.

I mourn the departure of President Muhammadu Buhari. He was a leader who stood up for our country in war and peace. He made his contributions to our country’s progress as a military officer, head of state, and elected president.

President Buhari demonstrated remarkable resilience, recovering from his ouster as military head of state in 1985 to emerge as an elected president in 2015. He was rather taciturn but had a sense of humour. He exuded a charm that connected him to ordinary people who cherished him as a symbol of integrity, a man who could be trusted to stand by the people.

Despite disappointment in three previous presidential elections, he summoned the vision and energy to construct a new coalition that birthed the APC in 2013. He ultimately recorded a first in Nigerian history, defeating an incumbent president in 2015. After two terms as president, he also successfully handed over power to an elected successor. In retirement, he retained his pull, often playing gracious host to a variety of prominent persons.

I had the privilege of working with him in the CPC. He asked me to lead the CPC Renewal Committee after the 2011 elections. Our committee recommended the imperative of the CPC merging with the ACN and other parties in time for the 2015 elections.

President Buhari was my political mentor. He nudged me to contest for the governorship of Kaduna State, encouraged me by attending the flag-off of my campaign in November 2014, and stood by me to victory. I am profoundly grateful for his support during my tenure as governor and for the remarkable access he afforded me, even during rare moments of disagreement on policy matters.

May Allah grant him Aljannah Firdaus and comfort his family, especially his wife Hajiya Aisha Buhari and his children, who have been such a formidable support.

3. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar: Buhari from battle field to the corridors of power

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.

4. Mr Peter Obi: Buhari a dignified leader

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.

Ameen.

5. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso:

I have received news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari with profound shock.

I extend my condolences to his family, as well as the government and people of Katsina State and the entire country.

May the Almighty Allah grant him eternal peace. – RMK

6. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo Wrote:

It is with a heavy heart that I received this afternoon the passing to glory of a colleague, a comrade, co-patriot, General Muhammadu Buhari, who, as a soldier he played his role as soldier; as an administrator, he played his role as an administrator; as a statesman, he played his role as a statesman.

“His demise comes at a time like this that we need the totality of the experience and what I may call statesmanship of all of those who have had opportunity to run the affairs of this country in the past to get us out of the situation we are in.

He will be sorely missed, and may his soul respect in perfect peace.”

Daily Watch Nigeria reports that the mourning didn’t end with just Nigerian leaders but prominent world leaders joined in dropping their condolences.

Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed Ali wrote on X. 

On behalf of the Government and People of Ethiopia, I extend sincere condolences to the family of former President Muhammadu Buhari and to the people and Government of Nigeria. Our thoughts are with you during this time of mourning.

President of Sierra Leone and Chairman of ECOWAS Julius Maada Bio wrote on X:

I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of President Muhammadu Buhari, the former president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

On behalf of the people of the Republic of Sierra Leone, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to his family, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, @officialABAT, and to the people of Nigeria during this incredibly difficult time. This is truly a devastating loss, and our thoughts are with you all.
@MBuhari

Chinese Embassy in Nigeria wrote on X:

The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria extends our deepest condolences to the people of Nigeria on the passing of His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), Former President of Nigeria.

We mourn a resolute leader whose unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s unity and progress leaves an enduring legacy. His pivotal contributions to advancing China-Nigeria relations will forever remain etched in our shared history. Our thoughts are with his family and Nigerian people.

U.S Mission in Nigeria wrote;

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria extends our deepest condolences to the people of Nigeria on the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a leader whose life was defined by service, discipline, and a commitment to restore integrity to public office. His legacy includes his efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and all Nigerians who mourn this loss.

Stay tuned for more.