Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Dies in London at 82

Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s former military ruler and democratically elected president, has passed away at a clinic in London at the age of 82, according to his former spokesman, Garba Shehu.

Buhari, a towering figure in Nigerian politics, first came to power as a military leader in the 1980s before reemerging decades later as a “converted democrat.” In a historic 2015 election, he became the first opposition candidate to unseat a sitting Nigerian president, defeating then-incumbent Goodluck Jonathan. His campaign promised to tackle widespread corruption and end the Boko Haram insurgency.

He secured re-election in 2019, but his administration faced persistent challenges including economic difficulties, ongoing security threats, and allegations of nepotism. Critics accused Buhari of favoring his northern Muslim ethnic group in key government appointments, exacerbating tensions in Nigeria’s deeply divided regional landscape.

Buhari’s presidency was also marked by controversies over his health and the government’s heavy-handed response to protests. Despite his initial promise to reform Nigeria, many viewed his tenure as falling short of expectations.

His death marks the end of a significant chapter in Nigeria’s political history.