Deluge of tributes from country leaders as former President Buhari dies at 82

Tributes have continue to pour in for late President Muhammadu Buhari from notable Nigerians, who agreed that he would be missed.

Buhari died in a London hospital on Sunday, July 13, after battling an undisclosed illness. He was 82 years.

The death of Muhammadu Buhari brings to a close a chapter in Nigeria’s political history, marked by his dual service, first as a military Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as a democratically elected President for two terms, beginning in 2015.

Buhari, who left office in 2023, after handing over to President Bola Tinubu, had battled health issues over the years, frequently seeking medical attention in the United Kingdom.

Buhari’s health required extended medical leaves during his two-term presidency.

During his tenure he made at least 13 medical trips to the United Kingdom.

Buhari’s first known medical visit occurred in June 2016, just over a year after assuming office. That trip lasted 10 days.

However, by 2017, his medical leaves became more frequent and prolonged.

His visits, sometimes announced abruptly, were typically accompanied by brief official statements indicating they were for “routine check-ups.”

Meanwhile tributes and condolences have continued to flow since Buhari’s passing became public.

President Bola Tinubu

In a heartfelt tribute he personally signed on Sunday, the President confirmed that Buhari would be accorded full state Honours.

“As a mark of respect to our former leader, I have directed that all national flags fly at half-staff across the country for seven days from today,” Tinubu wrote.

The President said the late Buhari’s passing filled him with “profound sorrow and a heavy heart,” adding that Nigeria has lost “a patriot, a soldier, a statesman.”

“President Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures.

“He served Nigeria with unwavering dedication, first as a military leader from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023.

“Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life,” Tinubu wrote.

The President also described Buhari as a man who “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,” said Tinubu.

Buhari tried his best — Obasanjo

In his tribute, former President Olusegun Obasanjo described Buhari as a patriot who tried his best in the quest to give the country needed progress and development.

Obasanjo led Nigeria as a military head of state in 1976 and democratically elected president from 1999 to 2007.

Obasanjo, in his reaction to the death of Buhari, said he received the news of the death of his former colleague in the military and a former President with heavy hearts.

He said, “It is with heavy heart, that I received this afternoon, of the passing of a colleague , a comrade, a cool patriot, General Muhammadu Buhari, who as a soldier, he played his role as a soldier. As an administrator, he played his role as an administrator, as a statesman, he played his role as a statesman, of course.

“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.”

Buhari, a brother, friend, patriot – IBB

Former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, in a tribute, titled ‘Tribute to a brother, friend, patriot’, said, “It is with a deeply heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of my friend, my brother, my course mate, and a fellow soldier in the journey of nationhood –  President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Our paths crossed in 1962 when we both joined the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna. From those early days, Muhammadu stood out — quiet yet resolute, principled yet humble, deeply patriotic and fiercely loyal to Nigeria.

“Our bond was forged not only by military training, but by a shared commitment to the ideals of service, discipline, and love for country.”

Jonathan describes Buhari as courageous leader

Former President Goodluck Jonathan described Buhari as a courageous leader who served the nation with character and sense of patriotism.

In a statement by his Special Adviser, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, the former President said: “It is with a heavy heart and profound sense of national loss that I received the news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari who died at the age of 82. President Buhari was a notable leader, patriot, and elder statesman who served our beloved nation as both a military Head of State and President, to the best of his abilities.

“He will be remembered 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.”

Nigeria has lost one of its greatest leaders – Shettima

Describing Buhari as one of Nigeria’s greatest leaders of all time, Vice President Kashim Shettima, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the former President.

The Vice President, in a condolence message by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, said, “It is a black Sunday in Nigeria! My heart is overwhelmed by grief, as the nation mourns one of its greatest leaders of all time, former President Muhammadu Buhari. This loss is too cruel than terms could give out – coming at a time I was anticipating his quick recovery after visiting him at the hospital in the United Kingdom.”

Buhari’s death a national tragedy for Nigeria, says Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari as a profound national tragedy.

The former Vice President said, “President Buhari was not just a former Head of State; he was a symbol of Nigeria’s resilience. From the battlefield to the corridors of power, he served with the kind of austere conviction and firm belief in duty that marked him as a soldier of principle and a leader of formidable will.

“His death is not just a loss to his immediate family and the people of Daura; it is a profound national tragedy. Nigeria has lost a statesman who bore the burdens of leadership in both turbulent and triumphant times, and whose legacy will be remembered for generations to come.”

A true patriot – Osinbajo

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has also mourned the death of the ex-President describing him as “a true patriot” whose life exemplified discipline, integrity, and service to the nation.

Osinbajo served as Vice President under Buhari from 2015 to 2023.

In a personal tribute he signed on Sunday, Osinbajo wrote, “Dolapo and I received, with profound sadness, the news of the passing of His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon.

“In the moments that followed, we spoke with Her Excellency Aisha Buhari and their son Yusuf Buhari to express our heartfelt condolences and to share in the deep grief of their beloved family – one with whom we had the honour of serving our nation for eight memorable years.”

“Nigeria has lost a true patriot—a man whose life was marked by unyielding devotion to the nation he loved.

“President Buhari’s legacy will endure as a testament to the nobility of public service, defined by honesty, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the public good”.

Buhari was a leader of great integrity – Akpabio

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio described Buhari as a statesman and a leader of great integrity.

Akpabio in a statement described the departed former President as a fine military officer that served Nigeria with zeal and patriotism and upon retirement transited to a democratic icon.”

“It is with profound sadness that I received the news of the passing of Muhammadu Buhari. I am deeply pained that he died when his wise counsel is needed most in this country.

“He was a fine military officer that served Nigeria with zeal and patriotism and upon retirement transited to a democratic icon.

“Through hard work, patience, uncommon resilience and discipline, Gen. Buhari became the first opposition candidate to defeat a sitting president in the history of Nigeria. His leadership and legacy will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to our nation’s development and stability. His life signified honesty, truth and justice; he was indeed, the real ‘Mai Gaskiya’.

Most patriotic Nigerians to have ever lived – Tajudeen Abbas

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the deceased as one of the most patriotic Nigerians to have ever lived.

In a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Abbas described Buhari as an officer and statesman who made a name for himself as ‘incorruptible’ and lived a life defined by simplicity and a remarkable absence of materialism, “virtues that earned him widespread respect and trust across the country.”

“He was a fine officer of the Nigerian Army and politician of repute, who got to the peak of his military and political careers. He was disciplined, patriotic, modest, and upright. He served the nation most of his life in different capacities. Only a few Nigerians have the privilege to have so served their country.

“Buhari carved a niche for himself as an incorruptible leader, a man of integrity, and an unflinching commitment to nation-building. His life was also defined by uncommon simplicity,” the Speaker said.

Moment of deep national reflection – Peter Obi

Presidential candidate of Labour Party, LP, in 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, described Buhari’s death as a moment of deep national reflection.

Obi said, “His death provides a solemn moment, not just for his family and close associates, but for our nation as a whole.

“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. Amen.”

Nigeria lost a unifying force – David Mark

A former Senate President, Senator David Mark, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, described Buhari as a hero, an exceptional patriot, and a selfless leader whose efforts to keep Nigeria united will remain unforgettable.

Mark, who served as Military Governor of Niger State during Buhari’s military regime between 1984 and 1986, said, “Nigeria has lost a hero, an uncommon patriot, and a selfless leader who gave his all for the good of our nation.
“It is sad that President Buhari transited to the great beyond at this time, but we are consoled that his legacy of keeping the nation united will endure.”

His contributions to Nigeria’s unity unforgettable – Ibori

Former Delta State governor James Ibori hailed the late President as a disciplined and selfless patriot who stood firmly for Nigeria’s unity throughout his military and civilian leadership.

Ibori said: “His invaluable contributions to the socio-political development of the country remain unequalled and will not be forgotten.”

No Nigerian loved by northern masses like him – ACF

The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, also expressed deep sorrow over the death of the former President, describing him as a towering figure in Nigeria’s political and military history who enjoyed unmatched affection from the masses in the north.

The ACF, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, said, “General Buhari led a life full of momentous activities. There is no Nigerian alive today that enjoyed the love and loyalty of the Nigerian downtrodden especially in the North like the late President Muhammadu Buhari.”

Buhari was responsible for Nigeria’s security, economic challenges – MBF

However, the Middle Belf Forum, MBF, blamed the former President for the economic and security challenges Nigeria was grappling with currently, describing him as a disaster to Nigeria.

The National President of the MBF, Dr Bitrus Pogu, said, “Everybody has a time to pass on. The man served his tenure in Nigeria and people thought he would pass on during his tenure because of his health challenges but he did not die.

“Now that he is not in the eye of the storm, he passed on. All we can say is that may his soul rest in peace because he was of age and anybody of that age can pass on.

“As for his tenure as President, that one did not come nice because I can say, unfortunately, though we do not say bad things about the departed, he is responsible for majority of our problems we are facing today in the country, both economy and security. It is unfortunate but, yes, we will remember him for such.

“The way the economy has so degenerated, it is a bad legacy. But there is nothing one can say about it, he has gone.”

Nigeria has lost a hero – David Mark

The Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nigeria’s immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement through his media aide, Paul Mumeh, Senator Mark noted, “Nigeria has lost a hero, an uncommon patriot and a selfless leader who gave his all for the good of our nation. The greatest sacrifice which would be difficult to fault was his love for this country, particularly, her unity.”

Buhari had strong belief in Nigeria – Aregbesola

Also, the Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Rauf Aregbesola, in a statement on his official Facebook page said Nigeria had lost a statesman who had a strong belief in the country’s potential as a united nation.

Aregbesola stated, “Today we bid farewell to President Muhammadu Buhari, a leader who served Nigeria with deep conviction and unwavering principle. His commitment to integrity and national unity defined his public service.

“Nigeria has lost a statesman who believed deeply in our potential as one nation. We have gained the enduring example of a leader who remained true to his values.”

 ‘Nigeria has lost one of its most iconic and selfless leaders’

Former Governor of Sokoto State and Senator representing Sokoto North, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, stated, “Nigeria has lost one of its most iconic and selfless leaders – an incorruptible patriot, a disciplined statesman, and a symbol of integrity who dedicated his entire life to the service of our nation with honour, courage, and unshakable commitment.”

A sad event – Ahmad Lawan

The President of the Ninth Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, described the news of the death as a sad and shaking event.

“As a fellow servant of the people, I am deeply shaken by this loss, having had the privilege of working closely with him during our time in the 9th National Assembly. Our collaboration was marked by mutual respect and a shared vision for a stronger, more unified Nigeria, where every decision was guided by the welfare of our citizens.

“President Buhari’s leadership was exemplary, characterised by his resolute integrity, strategic foresight, and dedication to national security and economic stability. I witnessed firsthand his tireless efforts to steer our country through challenging times, always prioritising the greater good over personal gain.”