President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a true patriot, disciplined statesman, and unwavering servant of Nigeria.
In a statement released Sunday evening, Tinubu said, “It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), GCFR, my predecessor, who departed this life today, Sunday, July 13, 2025, at a hospital in the United Kingdom.”
The President hailed Buhari’s enduring legacy of service, highlighting his military leadership between January 1984 and August 1985, and his return as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. Tinubu said Buhari’s life was marked by “duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation.”
He praised the former president for confronting corruption and prioritising national interest above personal gain, stating that Buhari “stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential.”
Tinubu offered his heartfelt condolences to the late president’s widow, Aisha Buhari, their children, the wider Buhari family, and the people of Daura Emirate in Katsina State. He also extended sympathy to the traditional institutions and government of Katsina.
As part of national mourning, Tinubu ordered that all national flags be flown at half-staff across the country for seven days starting Sunday. He also announced that an emergency Federal Executive Council (FEC) session will be held on Tuesday in Buhari’s honour.
The Federal Government, according to Tinubu, will give Buhari full state honours “befitting his towering contributions to our country.”
He concluded 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.”
