Tinubu, Obi, ECOWAS Chair, mourn Buhari, say his death, devastating
By Emma Ogbuehi
Accolades and messages of condolence continue to pour for the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, who died in the early hours of today, Sunday, July 13, 2025, with his successor, President Bola Tinubu, describing his death as a big loss to the country. Tinubu said Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman, adding that he served Nigeria with unwavering dedication, stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential.
2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, also lamented Buhari’s exit, stressing that the news of his passage was shocking. In similar vein, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Chairman and Sierra Leone President, Julius Maada Bio lamented his death, describing it as a devastating loss.
Tinubu’s condolences were contained in a statement he personally signed. The President wrote; “It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), GCFR, my predecessor, who departed this life today, Sunday, July 13, 2025, at a hospital in the United Kingdom.
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“President Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures. He served Nigeria with unwavering dedication, first as a military leader from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023. Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life.
“He stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential. He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn.
“In this moment of national mourning, I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Aisha, with whom I have been in constant touch, his children, the entire Buhari family, and all who knew and loved him.
“I also extend my condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, most especially the people and traditional leaders of Daura Emirate. We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul”.
As a mark of respect to the former leader, Tinubu stated that he had directed that all national flags fly at half-staff across the country for seven days from today. The president also pledged that the Federal Government will accord Buhari full state honours befitting his towering contributions to the country.
Buhari was a disciplined man – Obi
While lamenting the passage of the former President, Obi said he was a disciplined man. Writing in his X handle, Obi said “I have just received the shocking news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari in London.
“His death provides a solemn moment, not just for his family and close associates, but for our nation as a whole.
‘President Buhari has always comported himself in a dignified manner as a leader.
“When I met him during the electioneering, he received me warmly and spoke like a statesman appreciating my effort and how I had impacted the youths, not minding that he was from the opposite party.
” He did his best for a nation that gave him the rare opportunity of ruling it twice as a military Head of State and as an elected President.
To his wife, children, extended family, and to all Nigerians, I extend my deepest condolences.
‘May Almighty Allah, Most Gracious and Most Merciful, forgive President Buhari’s shortcomings, reward his efforts in service to the nation, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
“And for our dear country Nigeria, may this moment remind all of us in leadership that life is fleeting, we must serve with sincerity, compassion, and a deep sense of accountability. May we build a Nigeria where justice, unity, and peace prevail?”
Ameen.
Buhari’s death devastating – ECOWAS Chair
ECOWAS Chairman and Sierra Leone President, Julius Maada Bio also lamented Buhari’s death, describing it as a devastating loss. “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of President Muhammadu Buhari, the former president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. On behalf of the people of the Republic of Sierra Leone, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to his family, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to the people of Nigeria during this incredibly difficult time”, he wrote.
