Buhari passes away at a London clinic at the age of 82 after  suffering from brief illness

FORMER Nigerian leader President Muhammadu Buhari has passed away at a London clinic today at the age of 82 after a brief illness that kept him hospitalised in the UK for the last few weeks.

President Buhari is Nigeria's second longest-serving leader ever, having served as military head of state between December 1983 and August 1985. He then served eight years as a democratically elected president, being in office between 2015 and 2023 before handing over to the incumbent President Bola Tinubu.

According to one of President Buhari's former aides, Bashir Ahmad, his principal passed away at 4.30pm today at a London clinic. He announced the passing of the former president on social media platform X and it has since been confirmed.

Mr Ahmad wrote: “The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus. Amin.”

President Buhari was known for his stance on anti-corruption and efforts to stabilise the economy. Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State  into a Fulani family, President Buhari, who was the 23rd child of his father, ruled Nigeria both as a military and civilian leader.

Unwell for q while now, President Buhari left Nigeria in April this year for what was initially described as a routine medical check-up. However, he remained in the UK due to complications that emerged shortly after his arrival, according to sources close to his family.

At one stage, President Buhari was admitted to an Intensive Care Unit but was then moved out as his situation improved a bit. His  extended stay abroad caused him to miss key events, including the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States.