President Barrow pays condolence visit to Buhari’s family in Daura

His Excellency President Adama Barrow of The Gambia, on Friday, arrived in Nigeria to offer his condolences to the family of the late former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari at his home in Daura, Katsina State.

Upon his arrival, President Barrow was accorded a guard of honour at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport in Katsina. He was received at the Buhari family residence in Daura by the Secretary to the Katsina State Government, Barrister Abdoulie Garba Faskari, alongside the former First Lady, H.E. Aisha Buhari, and members of her family.

While paying his respects, President Barrow expressed heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family and paid glowing tribute to the late Buhari, describing him as “a colleague, brother and friend who fought for democracy in Africa and The Gambia.”

Recalling Buhari’s pivotal support during The Gambia’s 2016–2017 political impasse, President Barrow said: “He defended the decision of the Gambian people and vividly recalled his remarks at a closed-door meeting. ‘If Jammeh wants to challenge the sub-region, he is welcome. I think he has friends here, let them talk to him.’”
President Barrow added that Buhari’s stance demonstrated his commitment to upholding democratic decisions and that he remained a strong supporter of the Gambian government thereafter.

Speaking on behalf of the family, the late president’s eldest son, Yusuph Buhari, expressed appreciation for President Barrow’s visit, stating it reflected how deeply their father impacted the lives of others.

“We thank President Barrow and his delegation for this thoughtful gesture,” Yusuph said.

Also addressing the family, The Gambia’s Minister for Religious Affairs, Honourable Hamat NK Bah, reaffirmed the late President Buhari’s unwavering support for democracy and the Gambian people during a defining moment in the country’s political history.

The Gambian delegation later visited Buhari’s grave and offered prayers, asking God to grant the deceased eternal rest.

It is worth recalling that President Muhammadu Buhari played a crucial role in ensuring a peaceful democratic transition in The Gambia in 2016–2017, serving as the ECOWAS-appointed Mediator-in-Chief during the political standoff.

The late former President Buhari passed away on July 13, 2025, in London and was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura on July 15, 2025.