Nigerian ex-president Buhari interred at his family's private burial ground.
In a solemn ceremony held in Daura, the home town of the late former Nigerian leader Muhammadu Buhari, thousands of Nigerians gathered to pay their respects. Buhari, who passed away at the age of 82 in a London clinic on July 13, 2025, served as Nigeria's president from 2015 to 2023.
Buhari's leadership had a significant impact on Nigeria. He began his political career as a military leader, seizing power in 1983, and later transitioned to civilian leadership, winning the presidency in 2015 after losing three previous elections. This transformation showcased his commitment to democratic processes.
During his tenure, Buhari emphasized anti-corruption efforts, both in his military and civilian roles. However, his administration faced significant economic challenges, including a period of recession and high inflation. His policies aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing dependence on oil were not always successful.
Security issues were a major concern during Buhari's presidency, with the Boko Haram insurgency being a significant threat. Despite implementing various strategies to combat these threats, they remained a major concern throughout his presidency.
Buhari's legacy is complex. He is remembered for his commitment to democracy and his role in stabilizing Nigeria's political system. However, his austere lifestyle and policies were not always popular, and he faced criticism for his handling of economic and security issues.
The funeral was attended by high-ranking officials from Nigeria and neighbouring countries, reflecting the respect Buhari commanded despite the controversies surrounding his leadership. Mourner Kabir Ibrahim stated that Buhari will be remembered for his honesty. Military honours were given to Buhari during his final send-off, including a military band playing and soldiers saluting.
Notable attendees included Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, African billionaire Aliko Dangote, the president of Guinea-Bissau, the prime minister of Niger, and former Niger president Mahamadou Issoufou. The presence of Niger's Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine was significant as his country and Nigeria had diplomatic relations deteriorate since a 2023 coup overthrew Niamey's civilian leaders.
Despite harsh criticisms of Buhari's presidency, Daura welcomed him home. Young men climbed trees overlooking the courtyard to catch a glimpse of the final rites. Muttaqa Mahmud Bebeji, a civil servant, travelled 150 kilometres from the city of Kano to pay respects to Buhari. Nasiru Abdullahi, a 35-year-old tyre mechanic, stated that Buhari was an upright man who did his best for Nigeria, but was human and prone to shortcomings.
Buhari made history in 2015 as the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent leader at the ballot box. Despite being elected on a mandate for change, Buhari's time in office failed to put an end to the violence, and economic woes, poverty, corruption, and inequality remained entrenched. Nevertheless, his commitment to democracy and his efforts to combat corruption will be remembered as significant contributions to Nigeria's political landscape.
A massive security presence was deployed in Daura, less than 20 kilometres from the Niger border, as Buhari's body was brought back. Despite the tight security, some family members, including Fatima Isah, who claimed to be the ex-president's 78-year-old niece, found themselves locked out. Buhari's remains were draped in the green-and-white Nigerian flag during the final rites, and he was buried, draped in white.
In conclusion, the life and legacy of Muhammadu Buhari will continue to be a topic of discussion in Nigerian politics. His commitment to democracy, anti-corruption efforts, and personal austerity will be remembered, as well as the challenges he faced during his tenure. His funeral in Daura was a testament to the respect he commanded and the impact he had on Nigeria.
- Amidst the general news and politics, the complex legacy of former Nigerian leader Muhammadu Buhari continues to be a topic of interest in war-and-conflicts discussions, particularly regarding his administration's strategies to combat the Boko Haram insurgency.
- Crime-and-justice journalist might delve into the controversies surrounding Buhari's presidency, highlighting the harsh criticisms faced by his administration's economic policies, as well as the diplomatic tension with neighboring countries like Niger.
