World Leaders, Nigerian Statesmen Mourn Former President Muhammadu Buhari

World leaders, African statesmen, and Nigerian political figures have expressed their condolences following the death of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a hospital in London.

In a solemn tribute, Senegalese President offered his heartfelt message: “I heard the sad news of the demise of President Muhammadu Buhari. Senegal salutes the memory of a prominent actor in Nigerian and African political life. I extend my heartfelt condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the family of the deceased, and the brotherly people of Nigeria. Peace to her soul.”

President Adama Barrow of The Gambia also expressed grief: “His Excellency President Adama Barrow received with a heavy heart the sad news of the passing of former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, on Sunday afternoon.

President Barrow extends his sincere condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the People and Government of Nigeria—Her Excellency Madam Aisha Buhari and the Buhari family, friends and loved ones.

President Buhari will be remembered for his steadfastness in adhering to his prayers even in the midst of high-level engagements, dedication, and leadership in courageously advocating for peace both at home, in the subregion, and beyond.

He took a pioneering role in The Gambia’s political journey at a critical juncture in 2016. May Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala forgive his shortcomings and grant him Jannah.”

Mufti Menk, a global Islamic scholar, also shared an emotional tribute: “The passing away of a legend, the former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari—May Allah have mercy on his soul—brought me to tears! He was an upright man who never missed his prayers and a very disciplined believer who served his people to the best of his ability.

“His name was synonymous with integrity. He was definitely one of those who made me develop a much better perception of Nigerians as a people.

“May Allah Almighty forgive your shortcomings and grant you the highest ranks of Jannah. Aameen. May Allah Almighty make it easy for his family, friends, and the nation of Nigeria.”

Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, issued a statement from Abuja: “It is with deep sorrow that the world learnt of the passing of His Excellency General Muhammadu BUHARI, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“On behalf of all the institutions of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), I extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Government of Nigeria, and the entire Nigerian people.

“ECOWAS salutes the memory of this distinguished statesman whose invaluable contributions greatly advanced democracy and regional integration in West Africa and across the African continent. May his soul rest in paradise.”

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, paid tribute in his statement: “On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke, the people and government of Lagos State, I mourn the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, one of Nigeria’s most prominent military and political leaders.

“He was a courageous, disciplined, respected, and passionate leader. His commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria is worthy of emulation because he provided honest and transparent leadership. He sacrificed the greater part of his life in the service of our dear country.

“He contributed immensely to unity, growth, and development, serving as Military Governor, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Head of State, and President.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his wife, Hajia Aisha Buhari, friends, political associates, and the people of Daura and Katsina State. May God bless President Muhammadu Buhari’s soul and grant Nigerians the strength to bear this loss.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Buhari’s immediate successor, delivered a moving national address: “It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), GCFR, my predecessor, who departed this life today, Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a hospital in the United Kingdom.

“President Buhari was, to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures. He stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential. He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn. In this moment of national mourning, I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Aisha, with whom I have been in constant touch, his children, and the entire Buhari family.

“I also extend my condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, especially the people and traditional leaders of Daura Emirate. We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.

“As a mark of respect, I have directed that all national flags fly at half-staff for seven days and summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council session on Tuesday in his honour.

“The Federal Government will accord President Buhari full state honours befitting his towering contributions to our country. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus. And may his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness.”

Former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, also mourned the late president: “Dolapo and I received, with profound sadness, the news of the passing of His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon.

“We spoke with Her Excellency Aisha Buhari and their son Yusuf to express our heartfelt condolences and 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.”

Former Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, added his voice: “I have just received the very sad news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari in London. His death provides a solemn moment, not just for his family and close associates, but for our nation as a whole.
President Buhari always comported himself in a dignified manner as a leader.

“To his wife, children, extended family, and to all Nigerians, I extend my deepest condolences. May Almighty Allah, Most Gracious and Most Merciful, forgive President Buhari’s shortcomings, reward his efforts in service to the nation, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.”