President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced, with deep sorrow, the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died in London today at approximately 4:30 p.m. following a prolonged illness.
In a solemn statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga on Sunday afternoon, the President expressed his condolences to the Buhari family and the nation.
President Tinubu also revealed that he had spoken personally with the former First Lady, Mrs. Aishat Buhari, to convey his heartfelt sympathy.
As part of arrangements to honour the late statesman, President Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom immediately to accompany the body of the former president back home to Nigeria.
President Muhammadu Buhari was a central figure in Nigeria’s modern political history.
He served as Nigeria’s elected President for two terms, from 2015 to 2023, after previously holding office as the country’s military Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985.
In recognition of his service to the nation, President Tinubu has ordered that the national flag be flown at half-staff across the country as a mark of respect and mourning for the departed leader.