Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari to Be Buried Tuesday in Daura

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari will be laid to rest in his hometown of Daura on Tuesday, following his death in London on Sunday at the age of 82. Buhari died after a prolonged illness, and his body is scheduled to arrive in Nigeria the same day, according to Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.

Preparations for Buhari’s burial are under way in Daura, a town in northern Nigeria where the late leader was born. Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently in London overseeing the repatriation of Buhari’s remains.

A Legacy of Power and Controversy

Buhari first led Nigeria as a military ruler from 1984 to 1985 before returning as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. He made history as the first opposition candidate to win a presidential election in Nigeria after the return to civilian rule.

While many remember Buhari as a “converted democrat” who prioritized integrity and public discipline, critics point to his administration’s failures to curb insecurity and boost Nigeria’s struggling economy.

National Tributes and Full State Honors

President Bola Tinubu paid tribute to Buhari, calling him “a patriot, a soldier, a statesman.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Tinubu wrote, “He led with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential.”

Tinubu ordered all national flags to fly at half-mast for seven days and confirmed Buhari will receive full state honors.

In Lagos, the Nigerian flag was seen flying at half-mast as the nation mourns its former leader.

Reactions from Allies and Rivals

Radda described Buhari as “the embodiment of the common man’s aspirations,” while former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida—who overthrew Buhari in a 1985 coup—offered a respectful statement. “We may not have agreed on everything, but I never once doubted his sincerity or his patriotism,” Babangida said.

Alexis Akwagyiram, managing editor at Semafor and longtime observer of Nigerian politics, noted that Buhari’s image of personal integrity helped win him public support. However, he also acknowledged that Buhari’s tenure was marred by increasing violence from groups like Boko Haram and ISIL.

Buhari’s Final Journey

Buhari’s burial on Tuesday will mark the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most iconic and polarizing figures. With full state honors and tributes pouring in from across the political spectrum, Nigeria now reflects on the legacy of a man who shaped its modern democracy while leaving unresolved challenges behind.