President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari and dispatched Vice President Shettima to London to accompany his remains back to Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday in London after a prolonged illness.

In a solemn address on Sunday evening, Tinubu described Buhari’s death as a profound national loss and announced that Vice President Kashim Shettima will travel to the United Kingdom to accompany the late leader’s remains back to Nigeria.

“The nation mourns a dedicated patriot,” Tinubu said after placing a condolence call to Mrs. Aisha Buhari, the widow of the late president.

As a mark of respect, President Tinubu has ordered all national flags flown at half-mast.

The late Muhammadu Buhari served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023, following an earlier stint as military Head of State from 1984 to 1985. His political legacy includes economic reforms, a contentious war on corruption, and leadership during a turbulent security era. 

Vice President Shettima is expected to oversee the diplomatic and logistical process of returning Buhari’s body for burial in accordance with national honors. Official funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.

Tributes have started to flood social media and public spaces across the country, as Nigerians reflect on the life and leadership of a man who shaped nearly two decades of the nation’s political landscape.