Leaders across the world have continued to send in their condolences to Nigeria and Nigerians over the demise of former President of the country, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London at the age of 82 on Sunday, July 13, 2025, after receiving treatment for many weeks in London.
The news of his death was announced by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu.
Born in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari first led Nigeria as a military ruler from January 1984 to August 1985. After the return to civilian rule in 1999, he ran for president three times unsuccessfully—in 2003, 2007, and 2011.
In 2013, his political party, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), merged with other opposition parties—including Bola Tinubu’s Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)—to form the All Progressives Congress (APC).
That coalition led to a landmark victory in the 2015 presidential election, with Buhari and his running mate Yemi Osinbajo defeating the incumbent, President Goodluck Jonathan. It was the first time an opposition party unseated a sitting president in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
Buhari was re-elected in 2019 and served two full terms, eventually handing over power to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima on May 29, 2023.
World leaders send tributes about Buhari
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Youssouf, in a statement, described the former president as a Pan-Africanist and an advocate for regional integration.
While expressing his condolences, he described Buhari as a “principled and resolute leader who served Nigeria with honour and conviction. He was a steadfast supporter of multilateral cooperation and a tireless champion of peace and stability across Africa.”
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in his condolence message and assured the country of his support.
Sierra Leone’s President and current Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Julius Maada Bio, in his message on behalf of the people of the Republic of Sierra Leone, expressed heartfelt condolences to Buhari’s family, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Nigeria during this incredibly difficult time.
“This is truly a devastating loss, and our thoughts are with you all,” he posted on X.
Also, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, described the death of the former president as “Unbelievable!”
She wrote, “I did not know just how ill President Buhari was, and minutes after sending my get-well wishes, I have just learned that he passed away. I am so very sad. May the Soul of HE @MBuhari rest in perfect peace. My deepest condolences to the entire Buhari family and his close aides and associates.”
Also, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hailed Buhari for his role in regional stability and his commitment to progress.
“His lifelong service and commitment to Nigeria’s stability and progress will be remembered. May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus.”
Among other world nations to have paid tributes to Buhari include the United States of America, Chinese embassies, which described Buhari as a disciplined man whose life was defined by service
The U.S. embassy wrote, “Buhari, a leader whose life was defined by service, discipline, and a commitment to restore integrity to public office. His legacy includes his efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and all Nigerians who mourn this loss,” the embassy wrote.
In the same vein, the Chinese embassy tweeted on X, “We mourn a resolute leader whose unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s unity and progress leaves an enduring legacy. His pivotal contributions to advancing China-Nigeria relations will forever remain etched in our shared history. Our thoughts are with his family and the Nigerian people.”
The Turkish Embassy has also sent its condolences, saying, “Turkey is deeply saddened by the passing of Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“We offer our condolences to the Government and people of Nigeria. May the Almighty Allah bless his soul.”
Read also: Shettima, Gbajabiamila arrive London to receive Buhari’s remains
Tinubu orders flags to fly at half-staff as mark of respect for Buhari
ECOWAS hails Buhari’s invaluable contributions
The President of ECOWAS, Omar Touray, in his tribute, noted that the memory of the Daura-born would be greatly cherished
“It is with deep sorrow that the world learnt of the passing of His Excellency, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We mourn him, on behalf of all the institutions of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and to the entire Nigerian people.
“ECOWAS salutes the memory of this distinguished statesman whose invaluable contributions greatly advanced democracy and regional integration in West Africa and across the African continent,” Mr Touray said.
Nigerian leaders pay tribute
At the national level, several political leaders hailed the late former president for his contribution to various reforms.
President Bola Tinubu highlighted Buhari’s “quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential” during turbulent times.
He noted Buhari’s commitment to public service discipline, anti-corruption efforts, and prioritising national interest.
Tinubu extended his deepest condolences to the late former President’s wife, Aisha, with whom he has been in continuous contact, as well as to his children, the wider Buhari family, and all who knew him.
Also, former president Goodluck Jonathan hailed Buhari’s courage and selflessness.
Jonathan called him a “disciplined officer and a committed public servant,” acknowledging their political differences but recognising Buhari’s contribution to Nigeria’s democratic journey” who “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.
“The late President was deeply admired across the strata of society for his decency, integrity and exemplary life of service. As a leader, he was selfless in his commitment to his duty and served the country with character and a deep sense of patriotism.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described his death as “a profound national tragedy.”
He said Buhari was of “unflinching patriotism, stoic discipline, and a lifelong commitment to the sovereignty and unity of our great nation.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima wrote: “Nigeria has lost more than a leader. We have lost a compass. In this moment of national mourning, may we find solace in the legacy he left behind. It is a legacy that reminds us that honesty, simplicity, and integrity are not relics of the past but blueprints for a more honourable future.
“As one who came of age politically within the very structure shaped by his reputation and integrity, I must say this: I learnt much from him, and so did a generation of others. His life gave us a path, his values gave us a foundation, and his passing gives us a charge to carry forward the virtues that made him different,” he said.
