Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari will be buried in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, tomorrow, Monday, July 14, 2025.
Buhari passed away at 4:30 pm on Sunday, July 13, at a London clinic where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.
The announcement came from his former media aide, Garba Shehu, via social media.
The Final Journey: From London to Daura
President Bola Tinubu has sent Vice President Kashim Shettima to London to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.
Tinubu’s directive underscores the official recognition of Buhari’s death and the urgency to bring him home for burial.
The burial will follow Islamic rites, as expected from Buhari’s family and cultural background.
However, the news has sparked heated debates and controversy across Nigeria.
Many question the timing and secrecy surrounding Buhari’s health condition, which was shrouded in rumors for years before his death.
His prolonged medical treatment abroad, while Nigeria’s healthcare system remains underfunded and neglected, has drawn sharp criticism.
The Shadow of Rumors and Misinformation
In the days leading up to the confirmation of Buhari’s death, misleading videos circulated on social media.
One viral clip falsely claimed to show Buhari’s funeral.
But it was actually footage from March of the burial of Katsina State Governor’s mother.
This misinformation campaign exploited the former president’s illness to stir confusion and sensationalism.
Such deceptive tactics highlight the troubling state of information dissemination in Nigeria.
Where political narratives are often manipulated for personal or factional gain.
The spread of false news about Buhari’s death before official confirmation only added to public anxiety and distrust.
Buhari’s Legacy: Revered, Resented, and Controversial
Muhammadu Buhari’s political career was marked by contradictions.
He ruled Nigeria both as a military head of state (1983-1985) and later as a democratically elected president (2015-2023).
His tenure was characterized by a tough stance on corruption and promises to stabilize the economy.
Yet, critics argue that his policies failed to deliver meaningful progress.
And that his leadership style was rigid and out of touch with Nigeria’s complex realities.
After handing over power to Tinubu in 2023, Buhari retired to Daura, where he was often seen tending to his farm.
This retreat from public life did little to quell the intense debates about his legacy.
Supporters praise his patriotism and anti-corruption efforts.
While detractors blame him for economic stagnation and political repression.
The Irony of a Leader’s Final Days
Buhari’s death in a foreign clinic starkly contrasts with his public image as a nationalist who championed self-reliance.
Many Nigerians view his medical exile as a betrayal of the country’s struggling health system.
The government’s failure to provide adequate healthcare forced a former president to seek treatment abroad, exposing systemic neglect.
This irony fuels ongoing criticism of Nigeria’s political elite.
Who are often accused of prioritizing personal interests over national development.
Buhari’s passing, while mourned officially, serves as a reminder of the unfulfilled promises and persistent challenges facing Nigeria.
Political Reactions and Public Sentiment
President Tinubu’s swift action to repatriate Buhari’s remains signals respect for the former leader.
But it also raises questions about the current administration’s capacity to address Nigeria’s deep-rooted problems.
The public reaction is mixed, some express genuine grief, while others remain skeptical about the sincerity of official condolences.
The controversy surrounding Buhari’s death and burial reflects broader frustrations with Nigerian politics.
Where power transitions often mask unresolved conflicts and governance failures.
