President Bola Tinubu has announced the death of his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to a statement released by the Presidency on Friday, Buhari passed away in London at approximately 4:30 p.m. after a prolonged illness.
Tinubu has since spoken with the former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, to express his condolences.
In swift and solemn response to the development, Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria.
The President also ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the late leader.
Buhari served as Nigeria’s democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, after previously holding office as military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985.
Details regarding funeral arrangements are expected in the coming days