Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Dies at 82 in London

Addis Ababa, July, 13, 2025 (ENA)—Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has died at the age of  82 while receiving treatment at clinic in London, United Kingdom.

The family of former President Buhari, has announced his death on Sunday afternoon.

The brief statement, signed by his spokesman Garba Shehu, confirmed the passing.

The statement read: “The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin.”

Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023 and earlier as military Head of State from 1983 to 1985, had been receiving treatment in London since April 2025. Initial reports described the visit as a medical check‑up, but sources confirmed he fell ill soon after arriving and remained hospitalised.

During his presidential tenure, Buhari’s frequent and prolonged foreign medical trips sparked both criticism and concerns over domestic healthcare infrastructure.

At 82 years old, Buhari’s passing marks the end of an era.

Born on 17 December 1942 in Daura, Katsina State, Muhammadu Buhari was a retired Major General in the Nigerian Army and a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political and military history.

He first came to national prominence following the military coup of December 1983, which ousted the civilian administration of President Shehu Shagari. Buhari then served as military Head of State from 1983 to 1985 before being overthrown in another coup led by General Ibrahim Babangida.

Known for his strict anti-corruption stance and disciplinarian approach, Buhari’s military rule was marked by the controversial “War Against Indiscipline,” during which he sought to instil order and curb corruption, albeit through methods widely regarded as authoritarian.

Buhari then re-emerged as a democratic contender, contesting and losing presidential elections in 2003, 2007, and 2011. He eventually won the presidency in 2015 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), defeating incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan — the first time a sitting Nigerian president lost an election.

Buhari was re-elected in 2019 for a second term. His administration was defined by a strong focus on anti-corruption, infrastructure development, and the fight against insurgency, particularly Boko Haram in the North-East.