Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari passed away at the age of 82 in London. A former military ruler turned elected leader, Buhari was a towering political figure.
After the Nigerian government confirmed the news on Monday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to express his grief.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of former President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari. I fondly recall our meetings and conversations on various occasions. His wisdom, warmth and unwavering commitment to India–Nigeria friendship stood out,” PM Modi posted on X.
“I join the 1.4 billion people of India in extending our heartfelt condolences to his family, the people and the government of Nigeria,” he added.
Who was Muhammadu Buhari?
Born in December 1942 in Daura, Katsina state in northern Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023. He began his career in the military shortly after the country gained independence from British rule.
As per BBC report, Buhari lost his father at the age of four and was brought up by his mother, who belonged to the Kanuri ethnic group.
He trained as an officer in the UK between 1962 and 1963.
Buhari grabbed national attention in 1983, when he became Nigeria's military head of state after a coup ousted President Shehu Shagari. Known for his tough anti-corruption stance, Buhari launched the controversial "War Against Indiscipline".
After three failed election attempts, Buhari staged a stunning comeback in 2015, becoming Nigeria’s first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan. He was also re-elected in 2019.
Though never a populist or a natural politician, Buhari remained admired by many for his personal honesty, a rare trait in Nigerian politics . But the hopes he raised—of fighting corruption, restoring security, and reviving the economy—remained only partially fulfilled.
As a mark of respect for the late Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered national flags to be flown at half-mast across the country.
After the Nigerian government confirmed the news on Monday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to express his grief.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of former President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari. I fondly recall our meetings and conversations on various occasions. His wisdom, warmth and unwavering commitment to India–Nigeria friendship stood out,” PM Modi posted on X.
“I join the 1.4 billion people of India in extending our heartfelt condolences to his family, the people and the government of Nigeria,” he added.
Who was Muhammadu Buhari?
Born in December 1942 in Daura, Katsina state in northern Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023. He began his career in the military shortly after the country gained independence from British rule.
As per BBC report, Buhari lost his father at the age of four and was brought up by his mother, who belonged to the Kanuri ethnic group.
He trained as an officer in the UK between 1962 and 1963.
Buhari grabbed national attention in 1983, when he became Nigeria's military head of state after a coup ousted President Shehu Shagari. Known for his tough anti-corruption stance, Buhari launched the controversial "War Against Indiscipline".
After three failed election attempts, Buhari staged a stunning comeback in 2015, becoming Nigeria’s first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan. He was also re-elected in 2019.
Though never a populist or a natural politician, Buhari remained admired by many for his personal honesty, a rare trait in Nigerian politics . But the hopes he raised—of fighting corruption, restoring security, and reviving the economy—remained only partially fulfilled.
As a mark of respect for the late Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered national flags to be flown at half-mast across the country.
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