LONDON – Former Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari has died in a clinic in London at the age of 82, his family confirmed on Saturday.
Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023, had reportedly travelled to the United Kingdom in April for a routine medical check-up. His condition deteriorated in recent weeks, leading to his death on 13 July. The exact cause of death has not been disclosed.
A statement released by his former spokesperson, Garba Shehu, 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’s death was also confirmed by his former aide, Bashir Ahmad, who posted the announcement on X.
Buhari, a former military ruler, first came to power through a coup in December 1983 and led the country for twenty months before being ousted by another military takeover. Three decades later, he returned as a civilian leader, making history in 2015 by becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president at the polls.
During his two terms in office, he positioned himself as a staunch anti-corruption crusader and led efforts to combat insecurity in Africa’s most populous nation. His health had been the subject of public speculation during his presidency, with repeated medical trips abroad drawing both concern and criticism.
Burial arrangements will be announced by his family, who are expected to follow Islamic rites.
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