It was a sad day for many Nigerians as news broke about the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The announcement left citizens across the country in mourning.

Bayo Onanuga, the media aide to President Bola Tinubu, confirmed the death on Sunday evening. He revealed that Buhari died in London after a short illness.

Although Buhari’s family did not give full details about what caused his death, there are unconfirmed reports that he had been struggling with blood cancer, known as leukemia.

Since the announcement, tributes have continued to pour in from across the world. Nigerian politicians from both ruling and opposition parties have also sent their condolences.

Groups like Afenifere and the Arewa Youths shared their sadness in exclusive chats with DAILY POST, describing Buhari’s death as a huge loss to the nation.

Afenifere Pays Tribute to Buhari’s Discipline

Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, expressed sympathy and praised Buhari for some of his values. He said Buhari would be remembered for encouraging discipline among Nigerians during his military rule with late General Tunde Idiagbon.

However, Ajayi admitted that later governments did not continue with that same level of discipline. He also noted that Buhari’s military government was harsh at times and ignored human rights.

Speaking on Buhari’s time as civilian president, Ajayi said it changed how many Nigerians saw him. Even though his image as a strict leader was challenged, there were still lessons to learn from his political journey.

Ajayi pointed out that Buhari’s persistence after several failed attempts at winning the presidency was something to admire. He said this teaches people not to give up on their dreams.

He concluded by saying Buhari did what he could during his time in office, even though opinions about his leadership were mixed. He prayed for Buhari’s soul and sent condolences to President Tinubu, Buhari’s family, and all Nigerians.

Arewa Youths Say Buhari’s Death Ends a Political Era

Yerima Shettima, leader of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, said Buhari’s death brings an end to a major chapter in Nigerian politics. He described the loss as massive and expressed his group’s support for the former president’s family.

Shettima called on Nigerians to honour Buhari by working towards national unity. He urged citizens to learn from Buhari’s life and to promote honesty and progress in the country.

He added that everyone should come together and build on Buhari’s vision to make Nigeria better.

Burial to Be Held in Daura

Vice President Kashim Shettima and other top government officials are accompanying Buhari’s body back to Nigeria. He will be buried today in his hometown, Daura.

After completing his second term on May 29, 2023, Buhari moved back to Daura to focus on private life, including cattle rearing. But in February 2025, he returned to Kaduna, possibly because of the political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.

After news of his death spread, many Nigerians gathered at his Kaduna home to pay their respects. One of the early visitors was former Water Resources Minister, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu.

Security has been tightened around Buhari’s residence. Military vehicles and armed soldiers are stationed nearby, while movement in and out of the area is being carefully controlled.

A similar security arrangement is in place in Daura, where preparations are ongoing for the former president’s burial.