The departure of former President Muhammadu Buhari has been met with profound sadness by prominent Nigerian politicians, who have called it a major loss for the nation.
Olusegun Obasanjo, the former president, praised Buhari’s service as a statesman and soldier and highlighted his contribution to Nigeria’s leadership development. Obasanjo, who led Nigeria as a military leader from 1976 to 1979 and then as an elected president from 1999 to 2007, said the statesman, who was born in Katsina, passed away when the country might have used his experience.
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“Gen. Muhammad Buhari, a colleague, comrade, and fellow patriot, passed away this afternoon. He fulfilled his roles as an administrator, a soldier, and a statesman—all of which he performed for the country.” In order to bring us out of our current predicament, we need the combined experience—or, if I may use that term, the statesmanship—of all those who have had the chance to lead this nation in the past. His passing is a huge loss to the country.
We will mourn him terribly, and may his spirit rest in peace,” Obasanjo said.
Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), a former military president, also expressed his sorrow over Buhari’s passing while reminiscing about their shared military history and close friendship.
According to Babangida’s memorial, “I received the news of the passing of my friend, my brother, my course mate, and a fellow soldier in the journey of nationhood, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, with a deeply heavy heart.” We met in 1962 when we both enrolled at the Kaduna-based Nigerian Military Training College. Muhammadu distinguished himself for being quiet yet determined, principled but modest, intensely patriotic, and fiercely devoted to Nigeria from those early days.
Over the years, we had triumphs and times of introspection, as well as heartbreaks and dreams. In addition to military training, we were united by a common dedication to the principles of discipline, service, and patriotism,” he said.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo also expressed condolences for the deceased leader, calling Buhari a patriot who exemplified integrity and discipline. After learning of Buhari’s passing in a London hospital on Sunday, Osinbajo, who worked under Buhari from 2015 until 2023, said he and his wife Dolapo were profoundly grieved.
Osinbajo stated in his statement, “This afternoon, Dolapo and I learned with great sadness of the passing of His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.” We spoke with Her Excellency Aisha Buhari and their son Yusuf Buhari in the minutes that followed in order to offer our sincere condolences and to join in their immense sorrow over the loss of their cherished family member, with whom we had the privilege of serving our country for eight unforgettable years.
Osinbajo continued, discussing Buhari’s life: “Nigeria has lost a true patriot, a man whose life was marked by unwavering devotion to the nation he loved.”
The lasting legacy of President Buhari will serve as evidence of the dignity of public service, which is characterized by integrity, self-control, and an unflinching dedication to the common good.
As his homage came to an end, Osinbajo prayed for the country and Buhari’s family.
We pray that the All-Powerful God may give his family and everyone grieving his loss peace and fortitude. May he always be blessed in his memory.
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