President Tinubu mourns, as Former President, Buhari dies in London
The immediate-past President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari is dead.
Buhari, who was President of Nigeria between 2015 and 2023 died today after a brief illness.
Unconfirmed reports have that he died of blood cancer (leukemia) during a routine medical treatment at a hospital in London.
Former President Buhari would be remembered for being the first member of the opposition to rule Nigeria.
He contested the presidential election in 2003 on the platform of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) against sitting President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who was elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 1999.
The late Buhari contested again in 2011 on the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). He lost to the then sitting President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan.
In 2015, after a successful coalition that was championed by former Lagos governor and now President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Buhari, on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, emerged victorious, defeating then sitting President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan.
…President Tinubu mourns
President Tinubu announces President Buhari’s passing, orders VP Shettima to the UK to accompany body back home
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari.
President Buhari died today in London at about 4.30 pm, following a prolonged illness.
President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow and offered his deep condolences.
President Tinubu has also ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.
Former President Buhari was twice elected Nigeria’s President in 2015 and 2023.
He also served as military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985.
President Tinubu has ordered flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President,
Information and Strategy
Sunday, July 13, 2025
