Global leaders have continued to pay tribute to Nigeria’s former president, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London at the age of 82.
He died in a UK hospital after a long battle with illness, having sought treatment there since April 2025.
Until his passing on Thursday, Buhari remained a central figure in Nigeria’s modern history, having ruled the country both as a military head of state and a civilian president.
From 2015 to 2023, he led Nigeria as an elected president, before peacefully handing over to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We mourn a resolute leader” — Africa, US, China honour Buhari
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Youssouf, described Buhari as a “Pan-Africanist and a principled and resolute leader who served Nigeria with honour and conviction.”
He also called him “a tireless champion of peace and stability across Africa.”
Sierra Leone’s president, Julius Maada Bio, also sent in his sympathies on X: “This is truly a devastating loss… Our thoughts are with you all.”
From the United States, the American embassy in Abuja remembered Buhari as “a leader whose life was defined by service, discipline, and a commitment to restore integrity to public office.”
China, on its part, praised his efforts in strengthening ties with Beijing. The Chinese embassy described Buhari as “a resolute leader whose dedication to Nigeria’s unity and progress leaves an enduring legacy.”
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, ECOWAS, Turkey join tributes
WTO Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said she was stunned by the news.
“Unbelievable! I did not know just how ill President Buhari was… I am so very sad. May the soul of HE @MBuhari rest in perfect peace,” she wrote on X.
ECOWAS President, Omar Touray, described Buhari as “a distinguished statesman whose invaluable contributions greatly advanced democracy and regional integration in West Africa and across the continent.”
He said the late Nigerian leader’s memory would be “greatly cherished.”
Turkey also joined the world in mourning.
The Turkish embassy in Abuja said in a statement: “Turkey is deeply saddened by the passing of Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari… May the Almighty Allah bless his soul.”
Buhari was known for his tough stance on corruption, strong nationalist views, and insistence on discipline in public office, but in the end, it will be left to the verdict of history if he fell short.
While opinions were often divided on his style of leadership, many agree he was at least a consistent man who stuck to his principles and convictions.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
