Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Dies at 82

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, the first opposition candidate to win a presidential election in Africa’s most populous nation, has died at age 82. His spokesman, Garba Shehu, confirmed that Buhari passed away Sunday at a clinic in London, citing family sources.

A former military ruler and staunch nationalist, Buhari first rose to prominence as a general who seized power in a 1983 coup. His brief regime was marked by authoritarian rule, anti-corruption campaigns, and controversial drug-related executions before he was overthrown two years later.

After returning to civilian life, Buhari transitioned into politics, running unsuccessfully for president three times before finally winning in 2015. His victory ended nearly 16 years of dominance by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and marked Nigeria’s first peaceful transfer of power between elected governments.

However, his presidency faced mounting challenges: falling oil prices triggered a recession in 2016, followed by another economic contraction during the 2020 pandemic.

Buhari secured a second term in 2019 but left office in 2023 with declining popularity. His successor, Bola Tinubu, won a narrow and contested election, ushering in a new phase of political uncertainty.

In retirement, Buhari withdrew from public life, living quietly in his hometown of Daura in northern Nigeria.

He is survived by his wife, Aisha Buhari, and seven children.