Nigerians were thrown into mourning on Sunday following the heartbreaking news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Information revealed that the announcement came from President Bola Tinubu's media aide, Bayo Onanuga, who confirmed on Sunday that the former Nigerian leader died in London, United Kingdom, after a brief illness. Although the Buhari family has remained silent on the exact cause of death, reports suggest the former president had been battling blood cancer, specifically leukemia, before his death.
Since the death, tributes have poured in from leaders around the world and politicians across party lines in Nigeria, hailing Buhari as a respected elder statesman.
Various socio-political groups, including Afenifere and Arewa Youths, shared their grief in exclusive conversations with NewsDirect on Sunday.
In a statement to Daily Post, Comrade Jare Ajayi, National Publicity Secretary of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere, expressed heartfelt condolences.
According to Ajayi, the former president "left legacies that cannot be forgotten easily."
“Among the things for which people will continue to remember him was how the administration he led, with the support of the late General Tunde Idiagbon, made it known that Nigerians can lead a disciplined life.
“Unfortunately, the spirit of discipline his administration instilled in Nigerians was not sustained by successive administrations.
“Also, the noble image that his government as military Head of State would have earned was stained by some of the draconian steps that the administration took, including scant regard for human rights,” he said.
Ajayi further noted that Buhari’s civilian presidency from 2015 to 2023 somewhat altered his reputation as a strict, no-nonsense leader.
He pointed out one key takeaway from Buhari’s political journey:
“This was the ‘never-say-die’ spirit that he demonstrated. After previous attempts that failed, some faint-hearted people would have given up, but he did not.
“The lesson here is that anyone pursuing a noble goal should not give up even if the initial attempts did not bear the desired result.”
Ajayi described Buhari’s eight years as a civilian president as a “mix-grill,” but added that “the man certainly did his best, given the challenges that he had.”
Afenifere extended condolences to President Bola Tinubu, Buhari’s family, and the nation at large:
“Over the death of a man who had the fortune of leading the country first as a military head of state and then as a civilian president. May the Almighty Allah forgive his sins and grant him Aljonnah Firdaos.”
“Buhari’s death marks end of an era in Nigerian politics.” Arewa Youths
In his tribute, Yerima Shettima, President General of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), told journalists that Buhari’s death:
“Marks the end of an era in Nigerian politics, and we take this moment to reflect on his life, legacy, and the profound impact he had on our nation.”
Shettima described the incident as a great loss and extended sympathy to the Buhari family.
He urged Nigerians to honour Buhari’s memory:
"We call on all citizens to reflect on the lessons learned from President Buhari's life and to strive for a Nigeria that embodies his vision of integrity, unity, and progress.
"Let us come together as a nation to ensure that his legacy lives on through our collective efforts to build a better future for all Nigerians."
The late president's remains are expected back in Nigeria today (Monday), accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other top officials, for burial in his hometown, Daura.
After leaving office on May 29, 2023, Buhari retired to Daura, where he reportedly spent time tending to his livestock. However, on February 25, 2025, he relocated to his residence in Kaduna, a move some linked to political developments ahead of the 2027 elections.
