Prominent Nigerian leaders, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida, ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, governors, and political figures across the country have paid glowing tributes to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described Buhari as “a statesman, a colleague, a reputable soldier and co-patriot who will be sorely missed.”
Obasanjo, who served as military Head of State from 1976 to 1979 and as civilian President from 1999 to 2007, expressed regret over Buhari’s death at a time the country needed his experience most.
“I received this afternoon the passing of a colleague, a comrade, a co-patriot, Gen. Muhammad Buhari who as an administrator played his role as an administrator, as a soldier, he played his role as a soldier and as a statesman, he played his role as a statesman to the nation.
“His death is a great loss to the nation because at a time like this we need the totality of experience or what I may call the statesmanship of all those who have had the opportunity of governing this country in the past to get us out of our present situation.
“He would be sorely missed and may his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Former military President, Ibrahim Babangida, said he was “saddened with the sudden demise of Buhari.”
“It is with a deeply heavy heart that 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.
“Our paths crossed in 1962 when we both joined the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna.
“From those early days, Muhammadu stood out — quiet yet resolute, principled yet humble, deeply patriotic and fiercely loyal to Nigeria.
“Through the years, we shared trenches and trials, dreams and disappointments, victories and moments of reflection.
“Our bond was forged not only by military training, but by a shared commitment to the ideals of service, discipline, and love for country.”
Also mourning the former President, ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo described Buhari as “a true patriot” whose life embodied discipline, integrity, and service.
“Dolapo and I received, with profound sadness, the news of the passing of His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon.
“In the moments that followed, we spoke with Her Excellency Aisha Buhari and their son Yusuf Buhari to express our heartfelt condolences and to share in the deep grief of their beloved family—one with whom we had the honour of serving our nation for eight memorable years.
“Nigeria has lost a true patriot—a man whose life was marked by unyielding devotion to the nation he loved.
“President Buhari’s legacy will endure as a testament to the nobility of public service, defined by honesty, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.
“We pray that the Almighty God will grant comfort and strength to his family, and to all who mourn his passing. May his memory always be blessed.”
Contrasting Scenes in Kaduna and Daura
Following the announcement of Buhari’s death, two contrasting scenes emerged at his residences in Kaduna and Daura.
In Kaduna, Buhari’s home was heavily guarded by security personnel who denied journalists and non-residents access. Two military trucks were stationed at the entrance, with an air of solemnity surrounding the neighbourhood.
In Daura, however, mourners trooped into his residence, with sympathisers from within and outside the town arriving to pay their respects. A family member confirmed that Buhari’s body would be flown back to Nigeria for burial in Daura.
In Katsina town, people gathered in quiet groups across communities, sharing memories and offering prayers for the late President.
Governors Pay Tribute
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, through its chairman AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, stated, “This death is a significant depletion in the rank of Africa’s all-time great men. Muhammadu Buhari was not just a former President or military leader; he was a national political leader with profound moral courage, character, and amazing sense of duty. He would be remembered for his humility, strategic patience, and modest lifestyle.
“We send our deepest condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the painful loss of his dear friend, compatriot, immediate predecessor, and fellow party man.”
Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, stated, “With the passing of President Buhari, Nigeria bids farewell to one of its most emblematic figures of honest and dedicated leadership; an era shaped by integrity, patriotism, and uncommon sacrifice.”
Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, said, “President Muhammadu Buhari was an iconic figure whose life embodied discipline, integrity and a steadfast commitment to the service of Nigeria.
“His legacy is one of sacrifice, selflessness, and steadfast commitment to the unity, security and progress of our dear country.
“To us in the Northern Governors’ Forum, President Buhari was not just a national icon, but also a mentor and moral compass that stood firm on the principles of accountability, transparency and good governance. He mentored with humility, governed with courage and lived a life marked by simplicity and patriotism.”
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, stated, “Former President Muhammadu Buhari dead? It is hard to process this news at the moment. We had expected, like he did in the past, that he would pull through at this time, but we take profound comfort in the fact that he left great imprints on the sands of time.
“Both as military Head of State and as civilian President, Buhari made accountability his watchword. Although his time as military Head of State had the usual elements of leadership style that is not acceptable in a democracy, it is significant that Buhari was able to reinvent himself and govern Nigeria for two terms as elected President, recording monumental achievements in infrastructure, from road to rail.”
Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, said, “President Buhari was a great leader who served Nigeria with commitment and a deep sense of duty. His contributions to national development and his steadfastness in leadership will be remembered.”
Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, said, “Nigeria has lost a statesman. History has gained a legend.
“It is with profound sorrow and complete submission to the will of Almighty Allah that we receive the news of the passing of one of Nigeria’s most revered sons — President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.
“A towering figure in our national life: he was a soldier, statesman, reformer, and, above all, a beloved leader of the people.
“President Buhari lived with quiet dignity and unwavering commitment to the service of Nigeria. His courage in confronting corruption and insisting on accountability in public life inspired millions. A man of spartan simplicity and deep faith, he remained grounded in the values of justice and fairness, always aligning himself with the hopes and struggles of the ordinary Nigerian — the talakawa, whom he championed with conviction.”
Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, noted, “The country will miss a statesman, a patriot, and a leader who committed his entire life to the service of Nigeria.”
Kebbi State Governor’s spokesman, Ahmed Idris, said, “On behalf of the governor and good people of Kebbi State, we joined Nigerians in mourning the loss of the immediate past president of the country, President Muhammadu Buhari, May Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings.”
Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, described Buhari as “a true patriot, a disciplined leader, and a man of unwavering integrity who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria.”
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, in a statement by his media aide, said, “We have lost a great leader. This is indeed a monumental loss to Nigeria in particular and Africa as a whole.”
Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, also commiserated with the former President’s family, noting that Buhari “made his mark in serving the country.”
More Tributes
Rauf Aregbesola, Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, stated, “Today we bid farewell to President Muhammadu Buhari, a leader who served Nigeria with deep conviction and unwavering principle. His commitment to integrity and national unity defined his public service.
“Nigeria has lost a statesman who believed deeply in our potential as one nation. We have gained the enduring example of a leader who remained true to his values.”
