Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed profound grief over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a towering figure in Nigeria’s history who lived a life of integrity and unwavering commitment to national progress.
Former President Buhari died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 in a London hospital after a prolonged illness, according to his spokesperson Garba Shehu.
In a condolence message posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Governor Soludo said he was “shocked and profoundly sorrowful” by the news of Buhari’s passing.
“I received the sad news of the passing of His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR. I’m shocked and profoundly sorrowful. He was a towering figure in Nigeria’s history, a dedicated patriot who lived a life of integrity, discipline, and unwavering commitment to our nation’s progress,” Soludo stated.
The Anambra Governor recalled Buhari’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s development, highlighting his impactful initiatives such as the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) campaign during his military era, as well as his notable contributions to national development as both Head of State and President.
“I recall his impactful initiatives, like the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) campaign, and his notable contributions to national development as Head of State and President. His efforts in security, infrastructure, and fighting corruption were remarkable,” Governor Soludo said.
Buhari, a former military general who campaigned on rooting out government corruption, first came to power through a military coup in 1983 before being ousted by fellow soldiers in 1985. He later returned to power as a democratically elected president in 2015, serving until 2023.
The former president died in London at about 4:30 p.m. after a “prolonged illness,” with Nigeria’s current president Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordering his vice president to travel to the UK to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.
Governor Soludo praised Buhari’s personal character, describing him as a man of immense personal conviction who remained steadfast in the face of challenges.
“Beyond his policy achievements, President Buhari was a man of immense personal conviction, steadfast in the face of challenges. He believed in Nigeria’s unity and potential, working tirelessly for a nation where peace and prosperity thrive,” he added.
The governor extended his condolences to the Buhari family, the federal government, and all Nigerians during this period of mourning.
“My condolences to the Buhari family, the Federal Government, and all Nigerians. May Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest and comfort all who mourn him. May his legacy continue to inspire us towards a better Nigeria,” Soludo concluded.
Sympathizers have already begun gathering at Buhari’s residence in Daura, Katsina State, to pay their last respects, with burial arrangements expected to take place in his hometown according to Islamic rites.
The death of the former president has prompted an outpouring of tributes from world leaders and Nigerian officials, with condolences coming from as far as the United Kingdom, China, and India. Other Nigerian governors and political leaders have also expressed similar sentiments, describing Buhari’s death as a significant loss to the nation and commending his decades of service to Nigeria both as a military leader and civilian president.
Earlier, Governor Soludo issued an official statement through his Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime.
