Nigeria is mourning the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness.

His death was confirmed in an official statement issued Sunday by President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson.

“President Buhari died today in London at about 4:30 p.m. (1530 GMT),” the statement read.

In response, President Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to travel to the United Kingdom to retrieve Buhari’s body and accompany it back to Nigeria.

Buhari, a devout Muslim, will be buried in his home state of Katsina in line with Islamic rites.

Buhari led Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, making history as the first opposition candidate to defeat a sitting president Goodluck Jonathan in a landmark democratic election. Before his civilian presidency, he ruled briefly as a military leader from 1983 to 1985 following a coup.

He entered democratic politics decades later, portraying himself as a “converted democrat” with a firm anti-corruption message and a vision of national discipline and reform.

“I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody,” he famously said during his inaugural address in 2015.

Though Buhari’s tenure started with great promise, particularly in the fight against Boko Haram and government corruption, critics said his administration struggled to tame growing insecurity and economic challenges. Insecurity expanded under his watch, with rising cases of insurgencies, kidnappings, and separatist agitations.

Buhari’s government prioritized infrastructure development, investing in new railways, roads, power projects, and airports.

Supporters say these efforts laid the foundation for future economic growth, though everyday Nigerians often saw little relief from economic hardships during his presidency.

President Tinubu, in a heartfelt tribute, described Buhari as “a patriot, a soldier, a statesman,” whose life was marked by service and sacrifice.

“He stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential,” Tinubu said. “He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn.”

Muhammadu Buhari is survived by his wife, former First Lady Aisha Buhari, along with their children and grandchildren.