Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has died at the age of 82. He passed away on Sunday at the London Clinic, where he had been receiving medical treatment.

His death was confirmed in a brief statement issued on Sunday evening by his former Special Adviser, Garba Shehu.

“The family of the former president has announced the passing of Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London,” Shehu said.

Although the specific illness was not disclosed, Buhari had reportedly been in London for several days undergoing treatment prior to his death.

Dignitaries including former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha, and former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha were among those who visited the clinic before his passing.

Other early visitors included Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, Niger State Governor Umar Bago, Chairman of BUA Group Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar.

Last week, Shehu had dismissed reports of a critical health condition, stating, “Buhari has been discharged. It was not as intense as reported. He was hospitalised and is now being cared for. He is in recovery. Each day, he gets better. He looked much better after leaving office than before he became president. He is 82, eats healthily, and exercises regularly.”

Buhari served as Nigeria’s elected president from 2015 to 2023. He had earlier ruled as military Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985.

News of his passing has prompted a wave of condolences, particularly from political leaders. President Bola Tinubu, his successor and long-time ally, was among the first to mourn the late statesman.

According to presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.

“President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aisha Buhari, the former First Lady, and expressed his heartfelt condolences,” Onanuga added.

Tinubu also ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the late president.

Born on 17 December 1942 in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari was raised by his mother after the death of his father when he was four. He received education in Katsina, the United Kingdom, India, and the United States.

His military career included appointments as Governor of Borno State (1975), General Officer Commanding the 4th Infantry Division, and later the 3rd Armoured Division. He also served as Military Secretary and a member of the Supreme Military Council.

Buhari was Federal Commissioner for Petroleum Resources and Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. He rose to power following the military coup of 1983, becoming Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. His regime was known for the War Against Indiscipline campaign.

He was deposed in August 1985 by General Ibrahim Babangida. In 1994, Buhari was appointed Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), a position he held until the return to civilian rule.