President Bola Tinubu and several past Nigerian leaders are expected to gather in Daura, Katsina State, today, as Nigeria bids farewell to its former President, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday following a prolonged illness.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, acting on President Tinubu’s directive, accompanied the late president’s remains from the UK to Nigeria overnight. According to the Islamic rites, Buhari will be buried promptly upon arrival in his hometown of Daura.
Presidency officials confirmed that while the body arrived early Monday, the burial will be conducted swiftly in accordance with Islamic customs. One senior official, speaking anonymously, said, “They’re bringing his corpse over the night. They’ll go straight to Daura and bury him tomorrow (Monday). You know, Islamic rites don’t take time.”
West African leaders are also expected to arrive in Nigeria for condolence visits, although their identities were not disclosed as of Monday morning.
President Tinubu, who just returned to the country, paid tribute to Buhari in a personal statement issued on Sunday. He described his predecessor as “a patriot, a soldier, and a statesman” who dedicated his life to the unity and development of Nigeria.
“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.
He also announced a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) session to be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Buhari’s honour, and assured Nigerians that full state honours would be accorded to the late leader.
The President praised Buhari’s legacy of discipline, anti-corruption efforts, and his deep belief in Nigeria’s potential, saying, “He stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength and profound integrity.”
Buhari, who had travelled to London in late June for medical follow-up, had a long history of health-related trips during his tenure. Between 2016 and 2022, he made over a dozen medical trips to the UK, including a notable 100-day absence in 2017 which raised national concern.
His final medical visit as President occurred in October 2022, just months before leaving office.
While Buhari’s Kaduna residence remained quiet and guarded—with military trucks stationed at the entrance—his home in Daura saw a significant turnout of sympathisers. Local and regional leaders gathered to pay their last respects ahead of the burial.
In Katsina State, an atmosphere of mourning prevailed as community members prayed for his soul and comforted his family.
Former presidents, governors, political leaders, and traditional rulers have joined Nigerians in mourning the loss of the former president.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described Buhari as a colleague, a statesman, and a patriot whose wisdom is still needed in the face of Nigeria’s ongoing challenges.
Former Military President Ibrahim Babangida recalled their shared journey from the Nigerian Military Training College in 1962, saying, “Muhammadu stood out—quiet yet resolute, principled yet humble, deeply patriotic and fiercely loyal to Nigeria.”
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who served under Buhari for eight years, described him as a leader of integrity and discipline, noting, “Nigeria has lost a true patriot.”
Governors from across the country, including Hope Uzodimma, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, Bala Mohammed, Dapo Abiodun, and Uba Sani, paid glowing tributes to the late leader. They praised his unwavering dedication to national unity, his anti-corruption campaign, and his impact on infrastructure and governance.
Other political figures like former Senate President Ahmad Lawan, former governors Ahmed Makarfi, Simon Lalong, and current National Assembly leaders described Buhari as a symbol of national stability and selfless service.
In a statement, the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria said Buhari’s leadership shaped Nigeria’s moral direction, even amid policy disagreements, and that his death marks the end of a major era in Nigerian history.
As Nigeria lays one of its most influential leaders to rest, the nation reflects on his legacy—a life marked by service, sacrifice, and commitment to the ideals of unity, integrity, and discipline.
President Tinubu concluded his tribute with a prayer: “May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus. And may his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness.”
