Former President Muhammadu Buhari, who led Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, died on Sunday afternoon at a London clinic after a brief illness. He was 82 years old.
The death was confirmed by his former special adviser, Garba Shehu, in a statement released Sunday evening. “The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London,” Shehu said.
Buhari had been receiving treatment in London for several days before his death. The nature of his illness was not disclosed by his family.
A Leader Who Shaped Modern Nigeria
Born on December 17, 1942, in Katsina State, Buhari’s life was marked by both military service and civilian leadership. Raised by his mother following his father’s death when he was four, he would go on to serve Nigeria in two distinct eras—first as military Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023.
His presidency was defined by bold promises and memorable statements that captured both his vision and the contradictions of his tenure. Few Nigerian leaders have left behind quotes as debated or as enduring.
Words That Defined a Presidency
During his 2015 inaugural address, Buhari declared, “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody”—a statement that became his most quoted line. It was a bold promise to govern above partisan interests, reassuring Nigerians weary of political patronage. However, critics later challenged the sincerity of this pledge, pointing to what they saw as lopsided appointments and regional bias.
His anti-corruption stance was crystallized in another memorable quote: “If we don’t kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria.” This phrase, delivered at an anti-corruption summit in 2016, framed corruption not merely as a vice but as an existential threat to Nigeria’s survival. It resonated with a public frustrated by years of mismanagement, though critics argued his anti-corruption war was selective and slow-moving.
Perhaps his most controversial statement came during a 2016 press conference in Germany, when he said, “My wife belongs in my kitchen, my living room, and the other room.” The comment, made in response to criticism from his wife Aisha Buhari, triggered national and international backlash and was widely condemned as outdated and demeaning.
Security Challenges and Promises
Buhari’s presidency was heavily focused on security, with mixed results. In December 2015, he declared that Nigeria had “technically won the war against Boko Haram,” though insurgent activities continued. His promise that Nigerians would “be able to go to bed knowing you are safe” remained largely unfulfilled, as violence from various sources—including banditry, herder-farmer clashes, and kidnappings—persisted throughout his tenure.
The gap between his security promises and reality became particularly evident during the #EndSARS protests of 2020, which exposed widespread police brutality and called for comprehensive security sector reform.
National Mourning
President Bola Tinubu, who succeeded Buhari in 2023, was among the first to express condolences. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced that Tinubu had ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany the former president’s body back to Nigeria.
“President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow, and offered his deep condolences,” the statement added. Tinubu also ordered that flags be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect for the departed leader.
Personal Life and Legacy
Buhari’s personal life was marked by two marriages. He was married to Safinatu Yusuf from 1971 to 1988, and later married Aisha Halilu in 1989. He is survived by ten children and his widow, Aisha.
His death has triggered an outpouring of condolences from Nigerians across the political spectrum, reflecting his complex but significant role in the nation’s history. As Nigeria reflects on the Buhari years, his presidency will be remembered as much for its rhetoric as its results—a tenure defined by memorable quotes that revealed both his aspirations and limitations.
From hope-filled declarations to controversial statements, Buhari’s words served not just as slogans but as milestones in a presidency that sought to transform Nigeria, even as it struggled with the realities of governance in Africa’s most populous nation.
Ayo Sogbuyi is a seasoned journalist with over 30 years of experience, he is a passionate advocate for press freedom and ethical reporting. Throughout his career, he has covered significant global events and championed the role of journalism in holding power to account.