Muhammadu Buhari, the country’s Democratic leader between 2015 and 2023, passed away on Sunday in London at the age of 82.
Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said that once his body is repatriated from the UK, he will be buried in his hometown of Daura, in northern Katina.
According to Dikko Umaru Radda, the ruins of the former leader, who died in London on Sunday at the age of 82, after a long illness, arrive in Nigeria on Tuesday, with his burial being buried on the same day.
Preparations for the burial were underway in Daula on Monday, with the country’s vice president, Kasim Shettima, organising the repatriation of Buhari’s body in London.
Buhari, who first ruled the country as a military leader between 1984 and 1985, served consecutive presidential terms between 2015 and 2023. He was the first opposition politician to be voted for power since the country’s private control.
The self-proclaimed “transformed Democrat” is remembered by many as a central figure in his country’s democratic evolution. However, some critics also point out that during his presidency he did not improve Nigeria’s economy or its security.
In honor of his predecessor on Sunday, President Bora Tinubu called him a “patriot, soldier, politician.”
“He stood firm throughout the most intense times, leading with quiet strength, deep integrity and unwavering belief in Nigeria’s potential,” Tinubu wrote in X’s post.
“He defended the discipline of public service, he faced corruption head-on, putting the country above his personal interest at every turn.”
Tinubu added that all flags will fly at a mast for seven and a half days starting Sunday, and said Buhari will be given full state honors.
Radha also paid tribute to the former president, describing him as “an embodiment of the aspirations of ordinary people.”
Ibrahim Babangida, a former military ruler who expelled Buhari in a coup in 1985, also issued a statement after his death was announced.
“We may not have agreed to everything because the brothers often do not,” Babangida said.
Talked to Al Jazeera to Semafor editor and longtime observer of Nigerian politics, Alexis Akwagyiram, who stated that Buhari was popular for his “personal brand integrity and integrity.”
However, Akwagyiram also highlighted Buhari’s shortcomings regarding the economy and security, saying that insurrections from groups such as Boko Haram “proliferated during his tenure”.
