Former President Muhammadu Buhari was officially pronounced dead on July 13 after a bout with illness.
Buhari was appointed executive chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund in 1994 by the Sani Abacha regime, overseeing major infrastructure interventions across the country. He contested the presidency three times unsuccessfully — in 2003, 2007 and 2011 — before clinching victory in 2015 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, defeating then-incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.
He was re-elected in 2019 and completed his second term in 2023.
Buhari’s 2015 inauguration marked a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic history, as it was the first time an opposition candidate unseated a sitting president through the ballot. He also held the Global Seal of Integrity and the Congo Medal.
Since his passing, dignitaries, business moguls and government officials have paid their respects. United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, on Monday, visited the Nigeria House in New York to pay tribute to Nigeria’s late former president, describing him as a man of unwavering discipline, deep conviction and steadfast patriotism, whose legacy would endure far beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Expressed deep sadness and recalled fond memories of their meetings, and the warm ties he had with the ex- president.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari. I fondly recall our meetings and conversations on various occasions. His wisdom, warmth and unwavering commitment to India–Nigeria friendship stood out,” Modi said.
African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf also paid homage to the late ex-president, describing him as a principled Pan-Africanist devoted to peace, good governance, and multilateral cooperation.
“President Buhari will be remembered as a principled and resolute leader who served Nigeria with honour and conviction. Throughout his tenure, he remained a committed Pan-Africanist—an advocate for regional integration, good governance, and African-led solutions to the continent’s pressing challenges. He was a steadfast supporter of multilateral cooperation and a tireless champion of peace and stability across Africa,” the Chairperson stated.
Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin, alongside Ismail Mudashir, special adviser to the deputy Senate president on media and publicity, have also paid their respects to the former president. Jibrin prayed for the late president’s soul to rest in peace and offered condolences to his wife, Aisha Buhari, and their family.
Various dignitaries and officials praised the former president for his commitment to public service and his deeds during his time in office.
In honor of his passing, a public holiday was declared on July 15th and his remains were buried in Daura,Katsina. The body arrived from London at 7am and the funeral procession began—led by Katsina state governor, Dillon Radda— by 2pm.
Many Dignatries were all in attendance for the preparation of the funeral. Dignitaries like tthe Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,Aminu Masari, former Katsina State governor; Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna State governor; Ibikunle Amosun, former Ogun State governor; Isa Pantami, former communication minister; Sultan of Sokoto Sa’adu Abubakar, and the Emir of Kazaure, Ahmad Dangiwa.
