Former President Muhammadu Buhari has died in London after a prolonged illness, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced on Sunday evening.
The late President reportedly passed away at approximately 4:30 pm local time in the United Kingdom, where he had been receiving medical attention.
In a swift response, President Tinubu directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the UK to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria for burial.
“I have spoken with Mrs. Aisha Buhari and expressed my deepest condolences to her and the family. Nigeria has lost a dedicated servant and a former leader who gave his all to this nation,” Tinubu said in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s civilian president from 2015 to 2023, had earlier ruled the country as a military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985.
In honour of the late statesman, President Tinubu also ordered that flags across the country be flown at half-staff.
“We mourn a man whose legacy will be remembered in Nigeria’s political history. He was a soldier, a democrat, and a patriot,” the statement read.
