President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany the body of former President Muhammadu Buhari back to Nigeria.
Buhari passed away in London around 4:30 p.m., following a long illness. His death marks the end of a major chapter in Nigeria’s political story.
In a message shared through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed heartfelt sorrow over the former leader’s passing. He also personally reached out to Buhari’s widow, Aisha Buhari, offering words of comfort and support to the family on behalf of the nation.
Buhari’s legacy remains significant—he served as Nigeria’s Head of State between 1984 and 1985 and later returned to power through the ballot box, leading as a civilian president from 2015 to 2023.
As a gesture of national respect, Tinubu has ordered that flags across Nigeria and in all embassies and missions abroad be flown at half-mast with immediate effect.
“The President has spoken with Mrs. Aisha Buhari to express his condolences,” the statement read. “He has also instructed Vice President Shettima to travel to the UK and accompany the former president’s remains home.”
Additional announcements regarding official funeral rites and national mourning are expected soon.
