ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced, with deep sorrow, the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The elder statesman died in London at approximately 4:30 pm today, following a prolonged illness.
In a statement released from the State House, President Tinubu confirmed that he had personally spoken with Mrs Aisha Buhari, the widow of the late President, to offer his condolences.
“The nation has lost a leader who served with dedication both in uniform and in civil office,” the President said.
As part of the immediate state protocol, Vice President Kashim Shettima has been directed to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany the body of the late President back to Nigeria.
President Muhammadu Buhari, aged 82 at the time of his death, served as Nigeria’s civilian President from 2015 to 2023, having won two terms in office. Before his civilian leadership, he was also Nigeria’s military Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985.
President Tinubu has ordered that flags across the country be flown at half-mast in honour of the former leader. Official mourning arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
The death of President Buhari marks the end of an era in Nigerian political history, and tributes are already pouring in from across the country and around the world.
