Nigeria bid farewell to former President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, as his body was laid to rest in the backyard of his hometown in Daura, Katsina State, in northern Nigeria. Thousands of residents gathered, some even climbing trees, to witness the final moments of a man who ruled Africa’s most populous nation from 2015 to 2023. Buhari passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 after an undisclosed illness in a London hospital.
The coffin, draped in Nigeria’s green and white national colors, was flown to Katsina International Airport earlier in the day, where it was received by President Bola Tinubu, government officials, and citizens in traditional Muslim attire. Following a military parade and a 21-gun salute, Buhari’s body was transported to Daura, about 80 kilometers away, for burial.
Supporters in Daura, many of whom had used the term “Sai Baba” to express their admiration, gathered to pay their respects. The mood was somber, but the streets echoed with chants as people gathered to catch a final glimpse of the former leader’s casket.
President Tinubu declared seven days of national mourning, with Tuesday designated as a public holiday to honor Buhari’s memory and contributions to the country.
Buhari’s journey to power was unconventional. After first rising to prominence in the early 1980s as a military leader following a coup, he made a historic return to power as a democratically elected president in 2015 when he defeated then-incumbent Goodluck Jonathan. During his eight-year rule, Buhari faced several challenges, including economic recession, a slump in oil production, foreign currency shortages, and widespread insecurity. Despite this, he remained highly regarded in his home state of Katsina and across northern Nigeria, where many admired his austere lifestyle and anti-corruption efforts. Critics, however, argue that despite his promises, few public officials were jailed for corruption under his watch.
Buhari’s passing marks the end of an era for Nigeria. While his tenure was marked by several challenges, his influence and legacy will continue to shape the political landscape of the nation for years to come.
