Nigeria is mourning the loss of its former President, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday afternoon at the age of 82. The news was confirmed by his long-time spokesperson, Garba Shehu, in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Shehu’s announcement stated, “The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin.” The acronym GCFR stands for Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, Nigeria’s highest national honor. The Arabic phrase “Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin” translates to “May Allah accept him into the highest paradise (of Heaven), Amen,” a common Islamic prayer for the deceased.
Buhari, who had been in London for medical treatment, served as Nigeria’s democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. Prior to that, he was also the country’s military Head of State from 1983 to 1985. His passing marks the end of an era for a figure who played a significant role in Nigeria’s political landscape for decades. The exact nature of his illness has not been officially disclosed.
