Muhammadu Buhari dies in London after prolonged illness

Nigeria's former president Muhammadu Buhari, who governed the nation twice—first as a military ruler from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023—passed away at the age of 82 in London. He had been receiving medical treatment in the UK for an extended period, which raised concerns about his health during his presidency. The details surrounding his medical condition were often kept confidential, leading to criticism regarding the government’s transparency about his health issues. Buhari first gained prominence through a military coup and later became known for his anti-corruption agenda and tough stance against the Boko Haram insurgency. His election in 2015 marked a significant moment in Nigerian politics as he was the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president at the ballot box. Although initially seen as a sign of hope for political reform, his leadership faced challenges, including severe economic issues and growing insecurity. Throughout his time in office, Buhari's frequent medical visits abroad drew scrutiny and highlighted weaknesses in Nigeria's healthcare system. Despite successfully securing a second term in 2019, the latter years of his presidency were marred by controversies surrounding his leadership effectiveness, economic policies, and management of security threats, particularly from extremist groups. Observers noted that his presidency fell short of addressing long-standing issues of corruption and economic instability. Following the announcement of his death on July 12, 2025, current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended condolences to Buhari's family and mandated the vice president to oversee the arrangements for transporting Buhari's body back to Nigeria. The nation is expected to mourn the former leader as discussions about his legacy and the implications of his passing unfold in the coming days.