The nation was gripped by shock and sorrow on Sunday evening as news broke of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He passed away at the age of 82 in a London clinic, leaving behind a legacy that shaped Nigeria’s modern political landscape.
In a gesture of deep respect, President Bola Tinubu has dispatched Vice-President Kashim Shettima and Femi Gbajabiamila, his chief of staff, to the United Kingdom to oversee the return of Buhari’s remains.
As a mark of national mourning, Tinubu has ordered flags across the country to fly at half-mast. He has also convened an emergency session of the National Executive Council to honour the memory of his predecessor.
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Prominent Nigerians across the country and beyond, as well as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), are taking to social media to pay their respects to the late leader.
THE TRIBUTE
Dikko Radda, governor of Katsina, Buhari’s state, said the former president was not just a leader but an “embodiment of the common man’s aspirations”.
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“Today, Nigeria has lost a patriot. Katsina has lost its most illustrious son, and I have lost a father figure whose footsteps I have endeavoured to follow. His people-oriented programs and genuine love for the masses defined his leadership philosophy,” Radda said.
The governor said from his days as a military leader to his “transformative presidency”, Buhari never forgot his roots and remained connected to Katsina’s soil and the hearts of its people.
He said Buhari’s passing leaves an “irreplaceable void in our collective consciousness”.
“As we mourn this irreparable loss, we must also celebrate a life well-lived in service to humanity,” Radda said, adding that Buhari’s “legacy of putting people first will continue to inspire generations of leaders”.
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‘DISTINGUISHED STATESMAN’
Omar Touray, president of the ECOWAS commission, said Buhari was a “distinguished statesman” whose “invaluable contributions greatly advanced democracy and regional integration” across the continent.
“On behalf of all the institutions of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), H.E. Dr Omar Alieu TOURAY, President of the ECOWAS Commission, extends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed BOLA TINUBU, the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and to the entire Nigerian people,” Touray wrote in a statement.
‘PATRIOTIC AND SELFLESS’
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Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank and former minister of agriculture, said Buhari was “patriotic and selfless” in his service to Nigeria.
“Thank you for your love and support for me. May God comfort your dear wife and family. May your soul rest in peace,” he said.
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‘HE COMPORTED HIMSELF IN A DIGNIFIED MANNER’
Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, said that as a former leader, Buhari “comported himself in a dignified manner”.
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“His death provides a solemn moment, not just for his family and close associates, but for our nation as a whole. To his wife, children, extended family, and to all Nigerians, I extend my deepest condolences,” Obi said.
‘HIS LEGACY WILL ENDURE’
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Former President Goodluck Jonathan described Buhari as a “notable leader, patriot, and elder statesman” who served Nigeria, both as a military head of state and as president, to the best of his abilities.
“He will be remembered as a courageous leader, a disciplined officer, and a committed public servant who made considerable contributions towards the peace and progress of our dear nation,” Jonathan said.
Jonathan said Buhari was “deeply admired” across the strata for his “decency, integrity and exemplary life of service”.
He added that Buhari was selfless in his commitment to his duty and served the country with “character and a deep sense of patriotism”.
“In his passing, Nigeria has lost one of its foremost leaders, and I have lost a respected colleague and elder. His legacy will continue to endure in the hearts of all who value sacrifice, integrity, perseverance and devotion to national ethos,” Jonathan said.
‘COURAGEOUS LEADER’
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described Buhari as a “courageous leader and highly disciplined military officer” who dedicated his life to serving the nation.
“Nigerians will remember the departed former President for his roles and policies in government as Governor of Borno State, Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Chairman of the defunct Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), Military Head of State and later as democratically elected President,” Debo Ologunagba, PDP spokesperson, said.
‘TRUE PATRIOT’
Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo described Buhari as “a true patriot”, noting that his life was “marked by unyielding devotion to the nation he loved”.
“In the moments that followed, we spoke with Her Excellency Aisha Buhari and their son Yusuf Buhari to express our heartfelt condolences and to share in the deep grief of their beloved family, one with whom we had the honour of serving our nation for eight memorable years,” Osinbajo said.
“President Buhari’s legacy will endure as a testament to the nobility of public service, defined by honesty, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.”
Osinbajo was vice president during Buhari’s eight-year administration.
‘HE LEFT BEHIND A SOLID LEGACY’
The All Progressives Congress (APC) said Buhari was an “enigmatic leader, iconic elder-statesman, and exemplary patriot whose life of devoted resolve, resilience, discipline and integrity will remain evergreen in the hearts and minds” of Nigerians.
Felix Morka, APC spokesperson, said Buhari “led a simple but exceptional life of service” to the nation.
“He has left behind a solid and awe-inspiring legacy of leadership and service. Against the backdrop of his record of military service, the departed former President was an unlikely democrat but is one of the most influential contributors to the strengthening and consolidation of our democracy,” Morka said.
‘HE LEFT INDELIBLE MARK’
Mudashiru Obasa, speaker of the Lagos state house of assembly, said Buhari served the nation with a commitment that will be “remembered as a significant part” of the nation’s history.
“His contributions to the development and unity of Nigeria have left an indelible mark on our country,” said Obasa.
Obasa said while Nigerians grieve Buhari’s loss, they should remember to honour his “contributions and reflect on the values he championed throughout his time in Office”.
‘DISCIPLINED, UPRIGHT’
Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, said Buhari was “one of the most patriotic Nigerians to have ever lived”.
The speaker said the former president made a name for himself as “incorruptible” and lived a life “defined by simplicity and a remarkable absence of materialism, virtues that earned him widespread respect and trust” across the country.
“He was a fine officer of the Nigerian Army and a politician of repute, who got to the peak of his military and political careers. He was disciplined, patriotic, modest, and upright. He served the nation for most of his life in different capacities. Only a few Nigerians have the privilege of serving their country,” Abbas said.
“Buhari carved a niche for himself as an incorruptible leader, a man of integrity, and an unflinching commitment to nation-building. His life was also defined by uncommon simplicity.”
‘HE GAVE HIS ALL’
Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, described Buhari’s death as a “rude shock” and the end of a “remarkable chapter” in Nigeria’s history.
The monarch said Buhari’s legacy as a disciplined soldier, selfless leader, and unrepentant patriot will live on.
“Kings and leaders of great legacy are not mourned —they are celebrated,” the Ooni said via a statement issued by Moses Olafare, his director of media and public affairs.
“Their footprints in the sands of time remain long after they have transitioned to the ancestral realm.”
Recalling a recent meeting with the former president, the monarch said Buhari “was in high spirits, strong and jovial as usual”.
“From the battlefield as a gallant military officer to the highest office in the land as Commander-in-Chief, President Buhari was a man who gave his all to the cause of the Nigerian nation. It is really shocking to realise that he is no more—but I think that in itself is a lesson to everyone here on earth,” the monarch said.
‘HONEST TO THE CORE’
Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, said Buhari was a frugal and honest personality.
“They don’t make them like him anymore: not given to primitive acquisition of unearned wealth, frugal in living, austere in lifestyle, not inclined to showboating and incredibly honest to the core,” he said.
“In fact, he lived all his life in full realisation that such a day would inevitably come when he would answer to his creator.”
Keyamo was minister of state for labour during Buhari’s tenure.
‘I’VE LOST A FATHER’
Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno south, said Buhari’s passing is a “deep, personal loss”.
Ndume said Buhari was a father figure and mentor who inspired him with his simplicity, integrity, and devotion to national service.
“The late president was a man I held in the highest regard — not merely as a statesman, but as a father figure and mentor whose simplicity, integrity, and commitment to national service deeply inspired me,” he said.
‘I LEARNT FROM HIS EXPERIENCE’
Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan said he is “deeply shaken” by Buhari’s passing, describing their collaboration as one built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to a stronger, more united Nigeria.
Ahmad, who was senate president during Buhari’s second term from 2019 to 2023, said every decision they took was “guided by the welfare of our citizens”.
”President Buhari’s leadership was nothing short of exemplary, characterised by his resolute integrity, strategic foresight, and dedication to national security and economic stability,” Lawan said.
”I witnessed firsthand his tireless efforts to steer our country through challenging times, always prioritising the greater good over personal gain. Our harmonious partnership in the Senate allowed me to appreciate his wisdom and decisiveness, as we worked hand in hand to advance key legislation that addressed the needs of our people.
“From combating insecurity to fostering infrastructure development, his guidance was a source of confidence and unity among us. It was an honour to stand by his side, learning from his experience and contributing to the shared goals that defined his administration.”
‘HIS LOVE FOR NIGERIA WAS UNQUESTIONABLE’
Femi Otedola, chairman of First HoldCo Plc, described Buhari as a man of “great honour, discipline, and quiet strength”.
He said Buhari served Nigeria with “unwavering dedication”.
“Whether in uniform or in civilian attire, his love for our country was unquestionable,” Otedola said.
‘A TOWERING FIGURE’
Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president, said Buhari had a “clear vision for Nigeria’s unity and progress”.
“President Buhari was not just a towering figure in our nation’s history but a man whose life embodied discipline, resilience, and patriotism. Throughout his lifetime, he was committed to Nigeria’s unity, security and development,” Jibrin said.
“He served with honour in both military and civilian leadership, and history will remember him for his efforts to reshape our nation’s trajectory.”
‘MODEST LIFESTYLE’
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum described Buhari’s death as a “significant depletion in the ranks of Africa’s all-time great men”.
The governors said Buhari was not just a former president or military leader, but a national political leader with profound moral courage, character, and a fantastic sense of duty.
“He would be remembered for his humility, strategic patience, and modest lifestyle,” the forum said.
