By Abiola Olawale
The global community has begun to mourn the loss of the immediate past Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 in London, the United Kingdom.
Tributes from global leaders, including that of the United States Government which was echoed through the United States Mission in Nigeria , the Chinese President’s through the Chinese Embassy in Abuja, and prominent statesmen, have been pouring in, celebrating Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria’s unity, democracy, and international relations.
President Bola Tinubu, Buhari’s successor, described him as a “sincere leader” whose commitment to Nigeria’s unity and peace in West Africa left an indelible mark.
Tinubu, in keeping with National protocols for departed Heads of State, directed that national flags to flown at half-mast for seven days.
He equally delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to accompany Buhari’s remains back from London.
Also, the US Mission in Nigeria praised Buhari’s dedication to public service.
They extended condolences to his family and the Nigerian people, emphasizing his disciplined leadership.
“The U.S. Mission in Nigeria extends our deepest condolences to the people of Nigeria on the passing of former President Muhammadu 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,” a US Mission in Nigeria post on X read.
Likewise, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria lauded Buhari’s pivotal role in advancing Nigeria-China relations.
The embassy highlighted his contributions to fostering deeper bilateral ties, expressing solidarity with Nigerians in their time of grief.
The Chinese Mission mourned: “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.”
African leaders also paid their respects. Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, the current ECOWAS chairman, expressed heartfelt condolences, acknowledging Buhari’s regional influence.
Bio said: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of President Muhammadu Buhari, the former president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
“On behalf of the people of the Republic of Sierra Leone, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to his family, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, @officialABAT, and to the people of Nigeria during this incredibly difficult time. This is truly a devastating loss, and our thoughts are with you all.”
Also, the Gambian President Adama Barrow praised Buhari’s activism in respect of fostering peace, particularly his role in negotiating former President Yahya Jammeh’s exit from Gambia and supporting regional peacekeeping efforts.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ali extended condolences, stating, “Our thoughts are with Nigeria during this time of mourning.” The Turkish Embassy in Abuja echoed similar sentiments, expressing deep sadness and solidarity.
Similarly, former Nigerian President Obasanjo, in his tribute said: “It is with a heavy heart that I received this afternoon, of the passing of a colleague, a comrade, a co patriot, General Muhammadu Buhari, who as a soldier, played his role. As an administrator, he played his role as an administrator; as a statesman, he played his role as a statesman.
“At a time like this, we need the totality of the experience and what I may call statesmanship of all those who have had opportunities to run the affairs of this country to get us out of the situation we are in. He will be surely missed, may his soul rest in perfect peace.”
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, also expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Nigerian leader.
“Unbelievable! I did not know just how ill HE 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.”
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 Head of State after a military coup ousted then-President Shehu Shagari. He became Nigeria’s Head of State from December 31, 1983, until his overthrow in a 1985 coup led by Ibrahim Babangida.
After years in relative quietness, 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.
