Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari’s Reported Passes On

On July 13, 2025, reports surfaced claiming that former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari had passed away in a private clinic in London at the age of 82, following a brief illness. The announcement, attributed to a family statement and signed by his former spokesperson, Garba Shehu, was widely shared on social media platforms, including X, and published by some online outlets. However, these claims remain unverified by official government sources, and conflicting reports from just days earlier suggest Buhari was alive and receiving medical treatment in London. Given the history of misinformation surrounding Buhari’s health, including repeated false claims of his death, this situation warrants cautious scrutiny.

Background on Muhammadu Buhari

Muhammadu Buhari, born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, is a retired Nigerian army major general and politician who served as Nigeria’s head of state from 1983 to 1985 following a military coup and later as the democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. Known for his anti-corruption stance and military background, Buhari’s presidency was marked by efforts to combat insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast, implement infrastructure projects, and promote agricultural development. However, his tenure also faced criticism for economic challenges, rising insecurity, and alleged human rights concerns.

Buhari’s health has long been a subject of public interest and speculation. During his presidency, he made frequent medical trips to London, spending over 230 days abroad for treatment, including a notable 104-day stay in 2017. These trips sparked debates about Nigeria’s healthcare system and fueled rumors about his condition, which was never fully disclosed. After stepping down in May 2023, Buhari retired to his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, but reportedly returned to London in April 2025 for a routine medical check-up, during which he fell ill.

The July 13, 2025, Claim

On July 13, 2025, posts on X and an article from Creebhills.com announced Buhari’s death, citing a family statement signed by Garba Shehu. The statement described his passing as a “great national loss” and prayed for his soul to rest in “Aljannatul Firdaus.” The Creebhills report noted that Buhari died peacefully in a private clinic in London after a brief illness, leaving behind his wife, Aisha Buhari, children, and grandchildren, with funeral arrangements to be announced later. Posts on X from users like @BashirAhmaad, @arinzecajet001, and @WaleCyb echoed this claim, quoting the same statement.

However, the lack of corroboration from official Nigerian government sources or major international news outlets raises doubts about the claim’s validity. The reliance on a single, unverified family statement and the absence of an official announcement from Nigeria’s presidency or state media outlets like the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) or Voice of Nigeria (VON) suggest the report may be premature or inaccurate.

Conflicting Reports and Recent Context

Just ten days prior, on July 3, 2025, Premium Times reported that Buhari was alive but unwell, receiving medical treatment in London. Sources close to his family confirmed he had traveled to the UK in April for a routine check-up but subsequently fell ill. Garba Shehu, his longtime spokesperson, verified this, stating that Buhari was stable and responding to treatment. Additionally, Buhari’s former aide, Bashir Ahmad, posted on X on July 12, 2025, dismissing reports that Buhari was in intensive care, asserting he was stable and expected to recover.

On July 12, 2025, SaharaReporters claimed that both Buhari and former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar were in critical condition in London, with Buhari reportedly in and out of intensive care due to an intestinal disorder. The report also noted that Vice President Kashim Shettima had visited Buhari in London on behalf of President Bola Tinubu. However, this report, like the death announcement, lacks confirmation from primary sources.

History of Death Rumors

This is not the first time Buhari’s death has been falsely reported. Since 2017, rumors have circulated, often propagated by supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), claiming Buhari had died and been replaced by a Sudanese lookalike named “Jubril.” These claims, debunked by AFP Fact Check and other outlets, gained traction on social media, with videos and images used to allege physical differences in Buhari’s appearance. In 2018, Buhari publicly addressed these rumors during a visit to Poland, stating, “It’s the real me, I assure you,” and dismissing the claims as “ignorant and irreligious.”

Other false claims include a 2017 rumor that Queen Elizabeth II sent a condolence letter for Buhari’s death, which Reuters debunked, noting the accompanying image was from a 2015 Chatham House event. In 2020, a misleading video purportedly showing Buhari’s funeral was identified as footage from the burial of a former governor’s mother. These recurring hoaxes highlight the challenge of distinguishing fact from fiction in Nigeria’s information landscape, particularly on social media.

Current Sentiment and Implications

Posts on X reflect mixed sentiment, with some users mourning Buhari’s reported passing and others questioning the credibility of the news due to past misinformation. The lack of official confirmation and the timing of the reports—coming shortly after assurances of his stability—suggest the possibility of another false alarm. However, if true, Buhari’s death would mark a significant moment for Nigeria, given his polarizing legacy as a leader who championed anti-corruption efforts but struggled with economic and security challenges.

The absence of a unified narrative underscores the need for caution. Nigeria’s history of misinformation, especially regarding high-profile figures, necessitates verification through credible sources like government statements, major news agencies (e.g., BBC, Al Jazeera), or direct family announcements via official channels.

Conclusion

As of July 13, 2025, the reported death of former President Muhammadu Buhari remains unconfirmed. While some sources and X posts claim he passed away in London, recent reports from July 3 and 12, 2025, indicate he was alive and receiving treatment. Given the history of false death rumors surrounding Buhari, it is critical to await official confirmation from the Nigerian government, his family, or reputable international media. Nigerians and observers are advised to rely on verified information to avoid spreading misinformation. The situation remains fluid, and further updates from credible sources will be essential to clarify Buhari’s status.