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President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the family of former President Muhammadu Buhari over his death.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu confirmed he had personally spoken with Mrs. Aishat Buhari, widow of the late leader, offering heartfelt sympathies on behalf of the nation.
As a mark of respect, President Tinubu has ordered that all national flags be flown at half-mast across the country. This gesture, he said, honours the memory and service of Buhari, who led Nigeria through pivotal moments in its history.
He has also ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the UK to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.
Buhari had been receiving medical treatment in London before his passing, having initially traveled for a routine medical check-up in April.
Buhari was twice elected Nigeria’s President in 2015 and 2019.
He also served as military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985.
President Tinubu in a statement he personally signed, lauded his unwavering calm, moral clarity, and steadfast belief in Nigeria’s promise.
He emphasised that Buhari’s life was defined by an inner strength that guided Nigeria through challenging times: “He stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential. He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn.”
As a mark of respect, President Tinubu announced several national honours: All national flags will fly at half-staff for seven days; An emergency Federal Executive Council session will be held in Buhari’s honour; Full state honours will be accorded to Buhari in recognition of his “towering contributions to our country.”
•More tribute
Rain of tributes have continued to pour in from across the country and beyond, reflecting Buhari’s wide-reaching influence and long-standing role in Nigeria’s political evolution.
•PDP, APC, Jonathan, IBB
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan also expressed sorrow over the passing of former president at the age of 82.
The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, described the former President as “a courageous leader and highly disciplined military officer who dedicated his life towards the service of the nation while APC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, noted that “Nigeria has lost an enigmatic leader, iconic elder-statesman, and exemplary patriot whose life of devoted resolve, resilience, discipline and integrity will remain evergreen in the hearts and minds of this and future generations of Nigerians.”
Jonathan described Buhari 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.”
Jonathan recalled Buhari’s distinguished service to Nigeria, both as a military Head of State and later as a democratically elected President. He praised Buhari’s patriotism, integrity, and selfless dedication to the country, highlighting the respect he commanded across all levels of society.
“Nigeria has lost one of its foremost leaders, and I have lost a respected colleague and elder,” Jonathan wrote. He stressed that Buhari’s legacy of sacrifice, perseverance, and devotion to national ethos will continue to inspire Nigerians.
Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, described him as a brother, friend a patriot, saying his passing is not just the loss of a former head of state or a two-term civilian president but It is the loss of a symbol.
•NSGF: His death national tragedy
The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) described his death as a monumental loss and a national tragedy.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, in a condolence message personally signed, said the news of the former president’s demise was received with profound shock and grief across the region and the nation.
“President Muhammadu Buhari was an iconic figure whose life embodied discipline, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the service of Nigeria. From his days as a military officer to his tenure as military Head of State, and later as a democratically elected President, Buhari distinguished himself as a leader of conviction and purpose.”
NSGF extolled the late president’s legacy of sacrifice, selflessness, and steadfast pursuit of national unity and development, noting that his leadership remained a moral compass for many.
Osinbajo, Peter Obi, Kalu, Olowofela mourn
Former vice president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, eulogised Buhari as a beacon of honesty, discipline and selfless public service. “Nigeria has lost a true patriot—a man whose life was marked by unyielding devotion to the nation he loved,” Osinbajo said in a heartfelt statement.
He highlighted Buhari’s enduring legacy, noting that it stands as “a testament to the nobility of public service, defined by honesty, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.”
Mr. Peter obi said his death provides a solemn moment, not just for his family and close associates, but for our nation as a whole.
“President Buhari has always comported himself in a dignified manner as a leader.
“To his wife, children, extended family, and to all Nigerians I extend my deepest condolences.
“May Almighty Allah, Most Gracious and Most Merciful, forgive President Buhari’s shortcomings, reward his efforts in service to the nation, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.”
Reacting, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said his death was a significant blow not only to Nigeria but also to the international community, given President Buhari’s contributions to global progress.
“This loss is felt not only by the nation but by the entire international community, given the former President’s significant contributions to our collective progress.
“President Buhari’s legacies both as a former head of state and president at different times will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations. Remarkable was the virtue of integrity which defined his private life and characterised his public conduct. From what we knew about him, he loathed indiscipline as a former Head of Military Government.
“Leading the country as a democratically elected President, President Buhari will be remembered for his rice revolution among other achievements.
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“As we reflect on his life and achievements, I am reminded of the importance of leadership, service, and dedication to the welfare of our citizens.
“May we draw strength from his example as we continue to work towards building a better future for all Nigerians.”
The Federal Character Commissioner representing Oyo State, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela, also mourned the passing of the former president. Olowofela, a former Commissioner for Education in Oyo State, described Buhari as a symbol of integrity and discipline.
“President Muhammadu Buhari was a man of purpose and unwavering national commitment. His leadership style, though often debated, was guided by a passion for the unity and development of Nigeria.”
•Unexpected, shocking – Makinde, Ngige
Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has described the death of ex-president, Muhammadu Buhari, as unexpected at this time.
Makinde, who noted that death is inevitable for every human, stated that Buhari made his mark in serving the country, when he served as military head of state fpm 1983 to 1985, and civilian president from 2015 to 2023.
Former minister, Dr. Chris Ngige, expressed shock and sadness over his death. He described it as the exit of a Titan and patriot.
“I have been shell-shocked and very sad since the last hour that I received the news of the death of our former boss and my friend…Shocked and sad, not because we should all not die, so to go the way of all mortals as designed by God Almighty our maker but because the last information on him was that of a patient, on his way to full recovery from an ailment that initially sent him into the Intensive Care Unit.
“A very hardworking and disciplined and regimented individual, he played politics with morals and who allowed his staff officers and political appointees the latitude to do their job without undue interference and goading…”
•Gov Otu: Symbol of discipline, integrity
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Edet Otu, described his passing as a monumental national loss and the end of an era defined by uncommon discipline, personal sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to the ideals of nationhood.
In a condolence message issued on behalf of the Government and people of Cross River State and signed by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Linus Obogo, Governor Otu said the late Buhari lived a life “etched into the soul of our country,” noting that his stoic presence and austere leadership style left an indelible mark on the conscience of the nation. “His life was a luminous tapestry of sacrifice, honour, and a quiet, enduring patriotism. Nigeria grieves, yet stands in solemn salute to a leader who bore the burdens of our collective dream with dignity,” the Governor said.
Governor Otu remarked that President Buhari’s demise marked “the twilight of an era” and a moment of solemn reflection for a nation once again reminded of the fragility of time and the eternal weight of legacy. “Though his voice is now silenced, the echoes of his service—his steadfastness, his Spartan simplicity, his unshakeable belief in the unity of Nigeria—shall resonate through generations unborn.”
•Unforgettable legacies – Afenifere
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has said former president Muhammadu Buhari left behind legacies that cannot be easily forgotten.
National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Mr. Jare Ajayi, made the tributes of Afenifere known to Daily Sun on Sunday.
“Among the things for which people will continue to remember him was how the military administration he led, with the support of late General Tunde Idiagbon, made it known that Nigerians can lead a disciplined life.
“Unfortunately, the spirit of discipline his administration instilled in Nigerians was not sustained by administrations that came after him.
“Also, the noble image that his administration as military Head of State would have earned was stained by some of the draconian steps that the administration took, including scant regard for human rights.”
Ajayi added that Buhari’s second coming when he served as civilian president between 2015 and 2023 sort of demystified the public image he had as a ‘no-nonsense man’.
“But there is one important lesson in his conduct towards winning the election that brought him in as President. This was the ‘never-say-die’ spirit that he demonstrated.
“After previous attempts that failed, some faint-hearted persons would have given up, but he did not.
“The lesson here is that anyone pursuing a noble goal should not give up even if the initial attempts did not bear the desired result.”
•Gave his best to Nigeria – Bakare
The Serving Overseer, the Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, who was the vice presidential candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in the 2011 general elections, said the former president did his best for his nation.
He prayed for the soul of Buhari, adding that nobody can give what he doesn’t have.
Bakare said: “May his soul rest in peace.
“He did his best for his nation and nobody can give what he doesn’t have. He gave what he had and may his soul rest in peace, and may history be fair to him.”
•Buhari should pray for Nigerians – Okiro
Former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro has asked Buhari to pray for Nigeria wherever he is, he described him as a great leader who has done much for Nigeria.
“It’s a pity Nigeria has lost a great leader who has done so much for the country, may God grant him eternal rest in his bosom, he should pray for Nigeria wherever he is now”.
•Forgive Buhari, APC – Dr. Gololo
Former chieftain of the All Progressive Congress APC) and close ally has asked Nigerians to forgive Buhari his shortcomings.
“ Life being what it is, we all should die one day. But I must pray for his forgiveness and I would like everyone that he offended in the past to forgive him too.
Nigerians should also forgive the All Progressive Congress, APC, for sending Nigeria 30 years back. Life teaches us lessons that we should always think of next. “If we don’t give account of our stewardship here, then we should always give account before God.”
