What governors have to say about late President Muhammadu Buhari

Many governors and a roll-call of other Nigeria’s past heads of state are expected to converge on Daura today as the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari are laid to rest.

Many of the governors have, however, reacted to the death of the former President who died on Sunday at the age of 82.

NGF pays tributes

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, in a statement signed by its chairman, who is also the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, on Sunday stated, “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum receives with a profound sense of loss and sadness the death of His Excellency former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, in London, on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

“This death is a significant depletion in the rank of Africa’s all-time great men. Muhammadu Buhari was not just a former President or military leader; he was a national political leader with profound moral courage, character, and amazing sense of duty. He would be remembered for his humility, strategic patience, and modest lifestyle.

“We send our deepest condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the painful loss of his dear friend, compatriot, immediate predecessor, and fellow party man.”

APC Governors says Buhari was emblematic figures of honest and dedicated leadership

Nigerian Governors under the All Progressives Congress in a condolence message signed by the chairman of the forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, said the forum extended its heartfelt condolences to all Nigerians and the family of the late former President.

“With the passing of President Buhari, Nigeria bids farewell to one of its most emblematic figures of honest and dedicated leadership; an era shaped by integrity, patriotism, and uncommon sacrifice,” Uzodimma said.

A loss to entire nation – Northern Governors Forum

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, in a message signed by him, described described Buhari’s death as a loss to the entire nation.

“President Muhammadu Buhari was an iconic figure whose life embodied discipline, integrity and a steadfast commitment to the service of Nigeria.

“His legacy is one of sacrifice, selflessness, and steadfast commitment to the unity, security and progress of our dear country.

“To us in the Northern Governors’ Forum, President Buhari was not just a national icon, but also a mentor and moral compass that stood firm on the principles of accountability, transparency and good governance. He mentored with humility, governed with courage and lived a life marked by simplicity and patriotism,” he stated.

Buhari’s death was unexpected – Makinde

Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, expressed his condolences to President Tinubu on the death of Buhari just as he equally commiserated with the wife of the former president, Hajia Aisha Buhari and his entire family, praying to God to grant repose to his soul.

Makinde, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, described Buhari’s death as “unexpected”, noting, however, that the former president “made his mark in serving the country.”

Buhari’s death shocking, devastating – Abiodun

Also, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State in a statement, said even though death was a bill all mortals must pay, the death of the former president came as a rude shock.

He said, “Former President Muhammadu Buhari dead? It is hard to process this news at the moment. We had expected, like he did in the past, that he would pull through at this time, but we take profound comfort in the fact that he left great imprints on the sands of time.

“Both as military Head of State and as civilian president, Buhari made accountability his watchword.

“As a person, he was straightforward, affable, witty, and of a humble disposition. Even his severest critics will readily admit that he did not seek public office for personal gratification.”

A great leader, says Bala Mohammed

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed stated, “President Buhari was a great leader who served Nigeria with commitment and a deep sense of duty.  His contributions to national development and his steadfastness in leadership will be remembered.”

History gained a legend – Uba Sani

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, said, “Nigeria has lost a statesman. History has gained a legend.”

“It is with profound sorrow and complete submission to the will of Almighty Allah that we receive the news of the passing of one of Nigeria’s most revered sons — President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

“A towering figure in our national life: he was a soldier, statesman, reformer, and, above all, a beloved leader of the people.”

Former President served Nigeria with unwavering courage – Hyacinth Alia

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, also commiserated with the nation over the death of the former President.

He noted that Buhari, during his remarkable service, left indelible marks on the nation’s history, insisting that the former President served Nigeria with unwavering courage and conviction, consistently prioritising the nation’s interests and the well-being of its people.

The governor added, “President Buhari lived with quiet dignity and unwavering commitment to the service of Nigeria. His courage in confronting corruption and insisting on accountability in public life inspired millions. A man of Spartan simplicity and deep faith, he remained grounded in the values of justice and fairness, always aligning himself with the hopes and struggles of the ordinary Nigerian — the talakawa, whom he championed with conviction,” Sani added.

Kebbi gov mourns

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kebbi State, Ahmed Idris, said, “On behalf of the governor and good people of Kebbi State, we joined Nigerians in mourning the loss of the immediate past president of the country, President Muhammadu Buhari, May Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings.”

A disciplined leader – Monday Okpebholo

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, in a statement, said, “The late former President was a true patriot, a disciplined leader, and a man of unwavering integrity who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria. It is with a heavy heart that we received the news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.”

This is indeed a monumental loss – Biodun Oyebanji

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said, “We have lost a great leader. This is indeed a monumental loss to Nigeria in particular and Africa as a whole”.

According to Governor Oyebanji, the late Buhari did not only serve the country meritoriously right from his youthful days as a military officer, he lived an exemplary life of selfless service to the nation and led the nation at two different periods – as a military head of state and two-term President and Commander-in-Chief, where he put in his very best.

Nigeria has lost symbol of discipline, integrity – Gov Otu

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State described Buhari’s 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.
The governor, in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Linus Obogo, noted that Buhari’s 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.

I’m shocked – Babagana Zulum

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mallam Dauda Iliya, said although death was inevitable to mankind, Buhari’s demise at this critical time of Nigerian democratic journey was colossal, as the vacuum created would be difficult to fill.

Zulum said, “It is with profound sadness that I learned of the death of former President Muammadu Buhari while receiving treatment at a London Clinic on Sunday, July 13, 2015.

“The late former President was an iconic figure whose life embodied discipline, integrity, humility, incorruptible and a steadfast commitment to the service of Nigeria.”

Ex-president left legacy of integrity – Hyacinth Alia

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State said late Buhari served Nigeria with unwavering courage and conviction and left behind a legacy deeply rooted in integrity.

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, emphasized that the former President left indelible marks on the nation’s history describing him as “one who was resolute and committed to national development above earthly possessions, leaving behind a legacy that is deeply rooted in integrity.”

Nigeria has lost a patriot, contented leader – Lucky Aiyedatiwa

Mourning the late Nigerian leader, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State described Buhari as a great patriot and contented leader.

The governor, in a statement, titled ‘President Buhari: A patriot exits the stage’, said: “I received the news of the passing of former president Muhammadu Buhari this afternoon. It’s one death that grieves but our faith in God Almighty who gives and takes remains unshakable.

“Former president Buhari lived a fulfilled life. He was audacious, prudent, contented, strong-willed and compassionate.”

Nigeria has lost a patriotic leader – Oborevwori

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State expressed deep sorrow over the death of the former President, describing his death as a monumental loss to his family, the Nigerian Army, and the nation at large.

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, said, “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I mourn the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a towering figure in our national history who served Nigeria with distinction and uncommon dedication.

“President Buhari was a man of deep convictions who believed in the greatness of Nigeria and worked hard, within his understanding and capacity, to promote security, economic stability, and national cohesion.

“His death is a painful loss not just to his immediate family and the military institution he served so proudly, but to the entire nation that benefitted from his decades of sacrifice.”

Nigeria has lost a courageous leader – Sanwo-Olu

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, described the former President’s death as a colossal loss to Nigeria, saying the country has lost a courageous, honest leader.

Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, said Buhari was a man that truly loved Nigeria and contributed his quota towards her development.

“He was a courageous, disciplined, respected and passionate leader. His commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria is worthy of emulation because he provided honest and transparent leadership in the country.”

Buhari was a patriot – Adeleke

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, who described late President Muhammadu Buhari as a patriot, said he contributed immensely to national development.

The Governor, in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said,s “Throughout his lifetime, President Buhari was a watchword for integrity, inspiring honesty and selfless services in public service. Nigeria has lost one of its finest and I join in mourning a leader whose contributions to nation building is unquantifiable.”