Buhari: Tinubu Confirms Ex-president’s Death, Deploys Shettima to London

President Bola Tinubu has officially confirmed the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, expressing deep condolences to the late President’s family.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu confirmed he had personally spoken with Mrs Aisha Buhari, the widow of the late leader, offering heartfelt sympathies on behalf of the nation.

As a mark of respect, President Tinubu has ordered that all national flags be flown at half-mast across the country. This gesture, he said, honours the memory and service of Buhari, who led Nigeria through pivotal moments in its history.

President Tinubu also directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom. Shettima will accompany the late President Buhari’s corpse back to Nigeria, ensuring a dignified return for the former leader.

The full statement reads:

PRESIDENT TINUBU ANNOUNCES PRESIDENT BUHARI’S PASSING, ORDERS VP SHETTIMA TO THE UK TO ACCOMPANY BODY BACK HOME

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari.

President Buhari died today in London at about 4:30 pm GMT, following a prolonged illness.

President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aisha Buhari, the former President’s widow, and offered his deep condolences.

President Tinubu has also ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.

Former President Buhari was twice elected Nigeria’s President in 2015 and 2019.

He also served as military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985.

President Tinubu has ordered flags at half-mast as a mark of respect for the departed leader.