Governors, Sultan, Buni, El-Rufai, Jonathan, others pay glowing tributes to former President Buhari
Prominent Nigerians have expressed deep sadness over the death of the immediate-past President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari.
Neptune Prime reports that former President Buhari died in London on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
The immediate past president died at the age of 82.
READ ALSO: Former President Muhammadu Buhari dies in London
Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF)
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), in a statement signed by its chairman and Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said Buhari’s death was a significant depletion in the ranks of Africa’s all-time great men.
“The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) receives with a profound sense of loss and sadness the death of His Excellency former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“This death is a significant depletion in the ranks of Africa’s all-time great men. Muhammadu Buhari was not just a former president or military leader; he was a national political leader with profound moral courage, character, and an amazing sense of duty. He would be remembered for his humility, strategic patience, and modest lifestyle,” the governors said.
The statement expressed deepest condolences of the state governors to President Bola Tinubu on the painful loss of his dear friend, compatriot, immediate predecessor, and fellow party man.
Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni
Yobe State Governor Hon. (Dr) Mai Mala Buni, has condoled with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the family of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Katsina state government, the Daura Emirate, and Nigerians over the passing of the former President, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR.
In a statement signed by Mamman Mohammed, DG Press and Media Affairs, former President Buhari was described as a nationalist who dedicated his life to the unity and service of his fatherland, saying, “his death is a sad, huge and monumental loss to the country.
“The government and people of Yobe state condole with the President and Commander in Chief, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the government and people of Katsina state, Daura Emirate and indeed the people of Nigeria over the loss of this committed nationalist who believed in the unity and progress of Nigeria.”
Former President Goodluck Jonathan
In his tribute, former President Goodluck Jonathan described Buhari as a respected colleague and elder. Jonathan also said Buhari’s demise is a profound national and personal loss.
Jonathan, in a condolence message issued on Sunday, expressed sorrow over the passing of the immediate-past president.
The former president honoured Buhari’s legacy as a patriot, a disciplined leader, and an elder statesman who served Nigeria with integrity.
READ ALSO: Buhari’s death left me in tears – Mufti Menk
“It is with a heavy heart and profound sense of national loss that I received the news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari,” the former president said. “Nigeria has lost one of its foremost leaders, and I have lost a respected colleague and elder.”
Former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo
Immediate-past Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has mourned the death of his former principal, President Muhammadu Buhari, saying the country has lost a true patriot.
Prof. Osinbajo served as Nigeria’s vice president from 2015 to 2023 under President Buhari.
In a post on his verified Facebook page on Sunday night, Osinbajo said he had spoken with Buhari’s wife and former First Lady Aisha Buhari, including his first son, Yusuf Buhari, following the development.
Osinbajo wrote: “Dolapo and I received, with profound sadness, the news of the passing of His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon.
“In the moments that followed, we spoke with Her Excellency Aisha Buhari and their son Yusuf Buhari to express our heartfelt condolences and to share in the deep grief of their beloved family, one with whom we had the honour of serving our nation for eight memorable years.
“Nigeria has lost a true patriot, a man whose life was marked by unyielding devotion to the nation he loved. President Buhari’s legacy will endure as a testament to the nobility of public service, defined by honesty, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.
READ ALSO: Tinubu orders full state honours for late president Buhari
“We pray that the Almighty God will grant comfort and strength to his family and to all who mourn his passing. May his memory always be blessed.”
Former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai
In the same vein, the former governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has expressed sadness over the demise of Buhari, describing him as his political mentor who also nudged him to contest for the governorship of Kaduna State.
The two-term former governor, in his condolence message, maintained that the late Buhari stood for the country in war and peace.
He added that Buhari contributed to the country’s progress as a military officer, Head of State, and elected president.
El-Rufai further noted that Buhari demonstrated remarkable resilience, recovering from his ouster as military Head of State in 1985 to emerge as an elected president in 2015.
“He was rather taciturn but had a sense of humour. He exuded a charm that connected him to ordinary people who cherished him as a symbol of integrity, a man who could be trusted to stand by the people. Despite disappointment in three previous presidential elections, he summoned the vision and energy to construct a new coalition that birthed the APC in 2013.
“He ultimately recorded a first in Nigerian history, defeating an incumbent president in 2015. After two terms as president, he also successfully handed over power to an elected successor. In retirement, he retained his pull, often playing gracious host to various prominent persons,” El-Rufai said.
First Lady Remi Tinubu
In a condolence message, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Remi Tinubu, described Buhari as a courageous and principled leader who served Nigeria with unwavering integrity and deep affection for the people.
Senator Tinubu said the country had lost “a great leader who dedicated his life to the service of our beloved country.”
“President Buhari served Nigeria with unwavering commitment, integrity, and a deep love for his people,” the First Lady stated.
“He was a man of immense courage, conviction, and a tireless advocate for justice and good governance.”
She recalled Buhari’s dedication to the common good and his belief in the boundless potential of every Nigerian, noting that his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
To the grieving family of the late president, Senator Tinubu extended her deepest condolences, especially to his widow, Hajia Aisha Buhari, and their children and grandchildren.“May you find solace in the outpouring of love and support from a grateful nation. Please know that your grief is shared by all of us,” she said.
The First Lady concluded her message with prayers for the repose of Buhari’s soul, asking Almighty Allah to grant him Aljanah Firdaus and to comfort his family and all Nigerians who mourn his passing.
Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, said he received with deep sorrow, the news of the death of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, which occurred on Sunday in the United Kingdom.
The Sultan, in a condolence message issued by the Secretary General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu prayed that Allah accepts the good Buhari strove for, overlooks his shortcomings, and grants him mercy and forgiveness.
“The late President Muhammadu Buhari was known for his simplicity, restraint, and calm approach to leadership. In his various capacities, he remained devoted to the ideals he believed would contribute to national growth. His tenure, like those of all other leaders, came with challenges and efforts aimed at national development.
“JNI therefore notes his contributions to public service over several decades, and we pray that Allah (SWT) accepts the good he strove for, overlooks his shortcomings, and grants him mercy and forgiveness,” the statement said.
The monarch also extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the late former president, the government, and the people of Nigeria, and particularly the people of Katsina State.
“May Allah grant them patience and comfort during this difficult time.
“Let us all be reminded that leadership and life are trusts that will one day come to an end and for which we will account before Allah, the Most High. May we live in ways that earn Allah’s pleasure. Amin” the statement read.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
