By Abiola Olawale
The immediate past President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, has passed away at the age of 82.
It was learnt that the former President passed away in a London clinic on Sunday.
This was confirmed by Garba Shehu, former Senior Special Assistant to Buhari, in a short statement issued on Sunday.
Shehu’s statement, shared with the press, read: “INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHIRRAJIUUN. The family of the former president has announced the passing of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin.”
No further details were provided regarding the cause of death.
The New Diplomat reports that Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, in what was then Northern Nigeria. Raised in a modest Fulani family, he was the 23rd child of his father, Adamu, and mother, Zulaihat.
Buhari’s early education began at a primary school in Daura and continued at Katsina Provincial Secondary School. His military career beckoned early, leading him to enroll at the Nigerian Military Training College in 1962.
Buhari’s military journey was illustrious, marked by earned promotions and key roles. After training in Nigeria and abroad, including at the prestigious Mons Officer Cadet School in the UK, he rose through the ranks, serving in various capacities during Nigeria’s turbulent years, including the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).
He became Military Governor of the North-Eastern State in 1975 and later served as Federal Commissioner(Minister) for Petroleum Resources under General Olusegun Obasanjo.
In December 1983, Buhari emerged as military Gead of State after a military coup ousted then President Shehu Shagari. He become Nigeria’s Head of State from December 31, 1983, until his overthrow in a 1985 coup led by Ibrahim Babangida.
After years in relative quitetness, Buhari re-emerged as a democratic leader, contesting Nigeria’s presidency in 2003, 2007, and 2011 under various political platforms, ultimately winning in 2015 as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His victory marked the first time an opposition candidate defeated an incumbent president in Nigeria’s history. Buhari served two terms (2015–2023), focusing on anti-corruption, security, and economic reforms, which positively transformed the country in various aspects of governance.
