President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially announced the passing of his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died in London today at approximately 4:30 p.m. after a prolonged illness.

 

The announcement was made through a statement released by Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga.

 

“President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs. Aisha Buhari, the widow of the late former President, and offered his deep condolences,” the statement read. “He has also directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to immediately travel to the United Kingdom to accompany President Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.”

 

As a mark of national mourning, President Tinubu has ordered all flags across the country to be flown at half-staff in honor of the late leader.

 

Former President Muhammadu Buhari was a towering figure in Nigerian political history. He first served as the nation’s military head of state from January 1984 to August 1985 and later returned to power through democratic means, serving two terms as an elected president from 2015 to 2023.

 

Tributes have begun pouring in from across Nigeria and around the world, recognizing Buhari’s role in shaping the country’s political and military trajectory.

 

Funeral arrangements and plans for a state burial are expected to be announced in the coming days.