In a statement released from the State House on Sunday, July 13, 2025, Tinubu confirmed the passing of the former leader, who died at a hospital in the United Kingdom.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has summoned an emergency session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a statement released from the State House on Sunday, July 13, 2025, Tinubu confirmed the passing of the former leader, who died at a hospital in the United Kingdom.
"It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), GCFR, my predecessor, who departed this life today, Sunday, July 13, 2025, at a hospital in the United Kingdom," he said.
Describing the late president as “a patriot, a soldier, a statesman,” Tinubu praised Buhari’s dedication to the country, highlighting his leadership both as a military ruler from 1984 to 1985 and as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023.
He said,"President Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures. He served Nigeria with unwavering dedication, first as a military leader from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023. Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life.
"He stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential. He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn."
President Tinubu offered condolences to Buhari’s widow, Aisha, and his family, revealing that he had been in contact with them.
He said,"In this moment of national mourning, I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Aisha, with whom I have been in constant touch, his children, the entire Buhari family, and all who knew and loved him.
"I also extend my condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, most especially the people and traditional leaders of Daura Emirate.
"We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul."
In honour of Buhari, Tinubu directed all national flags to fly at half-staff for seven days beginning Sunday. He also announced that the emergency FEC meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, would be held in Buhari’s honour.
"As a mark of respect to our former leader, I have directed that all national flags fly at half-staff across the country for seven days from today,” he said.
"I have also summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council session on Tuesday, dedicated to his honour."
He further disclosed that the Federal Government would accord the former president full state honours.
"The Federal Government will accord President Buhari full state honours befitting his towering contributions to our country," he said.
The former president passed away in London at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Sunday after a prolonged illness.
Earlier, the Presidency disclosed that President Tinubu had directed Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.
