Femi Adesina, who was a spokesman to former President Muhammadu Buhari, has paid tribute to his former boss, defending his legacy and what he stood for.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Adesina said the former president, who passed on at the age of 82 on Sunday, could not be accused of anything that had the “slightest affinity to corruption”.
He also said Buhari was a stickler for discipline.
Watch the video below.
Former Nigeria’s President, Goodluck Jonathan, has expressed grief over the death of Muhammadu Buhari, who succeeded him in office.
Buhari passed on at a London hospital on Sunday after an undisclosed illness.
In his statement, Jonathan described Buhari as a notable leader, patriot, and elder statesman who served our beloved nation as both a military Head of State and President, to the best of his abilities.
READ ALSO: Former President Muhammadu Buhari Dies At 82
The statement reads, “It is with a heavy heart and profound sense of national loss that I received the news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari who died at the age of 82.
“President Buhari was a notable leader, patriot, and elder statesman who served our beloved nation as both a military Head of State and President, to the best of his abilities.
“He will be remembered as a courageous leader, a disciplined officer, and a committed public servant who made considerable contributions towards the peace and progress of our dear nation.
“The late President was deeply admired across the strata of society for his decency, integrity and exemplary life of service. As a leader, he was selfless in his commitment to his duty and served the country with character and a deep sense of patriotism.
“In his passing, Nigeria has lost one of its foremost leaders, and I have lost a respected colleague and elder. His legacy will continue to endure in the hearts of all who value sacrifice, integrity, perseverance and devotion to national ethos.
“On behalf of my family and the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the good people of Katsina State and all Nigerians who mourn this great loss.
Nigerians and public figures have taken to social media to react to the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, sharing tributes and commentary on his leadership and legacy.
The former president died on Sunday in a London clinic at 82, after days of treatment for an undisclosed illness. His former aide, Garba Shehu, confirmed the news.
Buhari ruled as military Head of State (1984–1985) and civilian president (2015–2023). Vice President Shettima and President Bola Tinubu’s chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, will travel to the UK to accompany his body, while President Tinubu has ordered flags flown at half-mast.
Bashir Ahmad, Digital Media Aide to the late president, shared a reflective quote from Buhari’s final months in office, “Whoever thought that there has been some form of injustice on him, we are all humans, there is no doubt I hurt some people, and I wish they would pardon me and those who think that I have hurt them, please pardon me– President Muhammadu Buhari (May, 2023).”
“Whoever thought that there has been some form of injustice on him we are all humans, there is no doubt I hurt some people, and I wish they would pardon me and those who think that I have hurt them, please pardon me”. – late President Muhammadu Buhari (May, 2023). pic.twitter.com/351mLxfQtE
Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, wrote, “From God we came and to Him we return. My family and I pray that Almighty God grants President Muhammadu Buhari al-Jannah firdaus. May his sins be forgiven, and may As-Sami, السميع, (The All-Hearing) grant his family the fortitude to bear their loss. He served Nigeria in peacetime and war and left a legacy that was worthy of emulation in many areas.”
From God we came and to Him we return. My family and I pray that Almighty God grants President Muhammadu Buhari al-Jannah firdaus. May his sins be forgiven, and may As-Sami, السميع, (The All-Hearing) grant his family the fortitude to bear their loss. He served Nigeria in… pic.twitter.com/f2suWwRxAn
Sanusi Dantata, son of late businessman Alhassan Dantata, shared, “INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHI RAJI’UN. Please pray for the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, who has died today in a clinic in London. May Allah grant him mercy, forgive his sins, and grant him the highest level of Jannah, Ameen!”
Innalillahi Wa Inna Ilaihirrajiuun!!!
Reflecting on fPMB’s last speech before leaving office, former president Muhammadu Buhari (of blessed memory) asked us to pardon him.
He said, “Whoever thought that there has been some form of injustice on him, we are all humans, there is… pic.twitter.com/PehIoXjY4I
Official photographer of the ex-president, Bayo Omoboriowo, also paid his tribute. He wrote in an Instagram post, “Your duty is done; your watch is over. Rest well, soldier.”
Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, also posted, “Inna lil Laahi wa inna ilaiHi Raaji’un! The eyes shed tears, and the heart is grieved, but we do not say anything except what pleases our Lord. O Baba Buhari, we are grieved by your separation. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and admit him into Jannatul Firdaus.”
Inna lil Laahi wa inna ilaiHi Raaji’un!
The eyes shed tears, and the heart is grieved, but we do not say anything except what pleases our Lord. O Baba Buhari, we are grieved by your separation.
May Allah forgive his shortcomings and admit him into Jannatul Firdaus. pic.twitter.com/45MRDn5MRd
Musician K1 De Ultimate (Kwam 1), photographer Tolani Alli, and other notable figures also paid their respects online.
K1 De Ultimate mourns the late former President Buhari. pic.twitter.com/ZjphjOEMfd
May God rest your soul PMB! ️ pic.twitter.com/0Otd8QWRkM
Islamic scholar, Mufti Menk, also wrote on X, “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. May Allah Almighty forgive your shortcomings and grant you the highest ranks of Jannah. Ameen.”
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… pic.twitter.com/uIPQrg3OOL
Popular British-Nigerian known as Mohammed Jammal penned a heartfelt tribute:
“President Muhammadu Buhari wasn’t just a leader to me, he was my inspiration, my example, my hero. He led with discipline, with dignity, and with a deep love for this country. I admired him deeply. I loved him sincerely.
With a heavy heart, I mourn the passing of President Muhammadu Buhari, a man of discipline, integrity, and unwavering devotion to our nation.
May Allah, forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him the highest station in Jannatul Firdaus. We have truly lost a patriot.”
President Muhammadu Buhari wasn’t just a leader to me, he was my inspiration, my example, my hero. He led with discipline, with dignity, and with a deep love for this country. I admired him deeply. I loved him sincerely. pic.twitter.com/n9O5BQG9wE
Economist and activist Farrees stated, “The fact that President Muhammadu Buhari wished this country well cannot be denied. He just had to deal with great forces of evil. Allah knows he really tried his best. May Allah reward him and forgive his shortcomings.”
The fact that President Muhammadu Buhari wished this country well cannot be denied. He just had to deal with great forces of evil. Allah knows he really tried his best.
May Allah reward him and forgive his shortcomings. pic.twitter.com/nXN5JGFizE
As tributes continued, many Nigerians are also anticipating online for the federal government to declare a public holiday in honour of the late leader.
Memes, hashtags, and messages calling for an official mourning period have flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
Nigeria’s former president, Muhammadu Buhari, has died at the age of 82. He passed on in a clinic in London on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
Buhari will be remembered as the country’s second longest serving leader—nine years, seven months and 27 days — as one who enforced strict discipline during his time as military head of state.
After three consecutive failed attempts, Buhari was able to return to power in 2015 after defeating the then incumbent President, Goodluck Jonathan, by 2,571,759 votes.
His winning campaign had emphasised three key promises: to tackle insecurity, stamp out corruption, and fix the economy.
Here are some quick facts about the former military and civilian leader:
A three-storey building has collapsed in the Abedi area of Sabongari, Kano State, following a heavy downpour on Sunday evening.
An eyewitness who spoke with our correspondent via telephone confirmed that the incident occurred around 7:30 p.m.
“We just heard a loud sound after the rain, and the building came down,” the source said. “People are still inside. We don’t know how many, but some are trapped.”
As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of people affected remains unknown. However, authorities from the fire service, Red Cross, and police have begun a rescue operation.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has expressed profound sadness over the passing of former Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari.
Osinbajo served as the vice president of Nigeria under President Buhari from 2015 to 2023.
Buhari’s death was confirmed by President Bola Tinubu, who directed national flags to be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the late leader.
In a statement he personally signed, Osinbajo said that Nigeria has lost a true patriot—a man whose life was marked by unyielding devotion to the nation he loved.
READ ALSO: Former President Muhammadu Buhari Dies At 82
The statement reads, “Dolapo and I received, with profound sadness, the news of the passing of His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon.
“In the moments that followed, we spoke with Her Excellency Aisha Buhari and their son Yusuf Buhari to express our heartfelt condolences and to 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.