…Omoyele Sowore, Peter Obi, Senator Remi Tinubu, Goodluck E. Jonathan, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai React
The passing away of the Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, in London on 13th of July, 2025, has left social media spaces and handles buzzing.
More so after the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declared a 7-day mourning period for Buhari.
Many people, including foreigners and notable Nigerians, have taken to their social media handles to either praise or curse the former president.
These are some of the posts…
Omoyele Sowore@YeleSowore, said: “Muhammadu Buhari @MBuhari slaughtered hundreds of Shiites, men, women, and even children. He ordered soldiers of the@HQNigerianArmy to open fire on peaceful #EndSARS protesters waving the Nigerian flag. He “disappeared” Dadiyata. He ordered the massacre of young Southeasterners he branded IPOB.
“He disobeyed court orders, jailed critics arbitrarily, destroyed the economy, and ruined everything he touched. And now, because he’s dead, some people with selective memory want us to mourn or worship him? Shameful. NO, we do not mourn tyrants. We remember their victims.”
Another person #OurFavOnlineDoc🇬🇧@OurFavOnlineDoc, said: “A heartless animal who ordered soldiers to massacre young people because he was a useless brainless coward who felt he was going to be toppled. Ordered the massacre of 350 Shiites. Ordered the massacre of many innocent Igbo people, some who were wrongly labelled as IPOB.
We don’t mourn monsters. We only remember their victims. And may this barbaric demon never find the peace that he denied hundreds of millions of Nigerians.”
One Mohammed Jammal@whitenigerian, has this to say about Buhari, “President Muhammadu Buhari wasn’t just a leader to me, he was my inspiration, my example, my hero. He led with discipline, with dignity, and with a deep love for this country. I admired him deeply. I loved him sincerely.”
A human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong @InibeheEffiong, states: “The death of former President Buhari in London should offer the Nigerian political class another opportunity for sobriety and circumspection. As President, Buhari had 8 years to offer selfless leadership and change the country for the better. He abused and missed that golden opportunity.
“Buhari had all the power and resources to build a standard hospital in Nigeria that would have catered for his medical needs, but he failed to do so. He returned to power in 2015 by projecting himself as a reformed democrat, but he did not only continue in his military attitude to governance, he transformed into a civilian dictator and a serial desecrator of human rights and democratic norms.
“Those who benefited from Buhari’s misrule can grieve endlessly about his death, but the millions of Nigerians whose lives and sources of livelihood were destroyed by his ungodly and tyrannical actions also have the right to ventilate their feelings.
“Politicians who make the lives of Nigerians miserable during their lifetime cannot be venerated as saints in death. A culture that allows people to blatantly lie about the dead cannot bring progress and prosperity.
“I do not celebrate Muhammadu Buhari’s death, our mortality is what makes us to be humans. However, the living should always reflect on what they’ll be remembered for when they die. To his family, Buhari may have been a caring and loving father, but to many Nigerians, he was a colossal disaster.
“Those who are alive today and actively ruining the lives of Nigerians and destroying the country should remember that they’ll be gone someday. It is a sad commentary that Nigeria is cursed with kleptocratic dictators who are only out to steal, kill and destroy. Our politicians destroy our country while enjoying their best lives abroad.
“When they are sick, most of them seek medical care abroad. Many of them also die abroad and their corpses are brought back to be buried in the same Nigeria that they destroyed. As Buhari faces the judgment of his maker, it is my prayer that those currently in power who are making lives miserable for us will realize that they will also face their eternal judgments.”
An Xspace handle, with the name, NYSC360 @nysc360, mourns Buhari thus: “He increased allowance from N19,800 to N33,000 and even paid corps members during the lockdown. He loved corps members and the welfare of Nigerians was priority to him. Rest in Peace His Excellency President Mohammadu Buhari, GCFR. Please drop a 💐🇳🇬 to honour this great national hero.”
S.A.L.A.K.O🕊@UnkleAyo rather preferred to mention late president Musa Yarudua, recalling the passing of Yarudau, stressing that mourning cannot be faked.
The words: “Umar Musa Yaradua – arguably one of Nigeria’s most decent Presidents. When he died, the entire nation was thrown into genuine mourning. One of our only shot at corruption-free governance. You cannot fake mourning. You cannot gaslight people into mourning.”
Thuso van Zyl🇿🇦🇵🇸@Thuso1Africa, noted on his handle, “The evil and useless Nigerian former president Buhari died in an hospital in London UK. Typical example of useless African leaders who seek medical attention in Western countries, because they failed to build a decent healthcare system at home.”
Mufti Menk@muftimenk, said: “The passing away of a legend, the former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, May Allah have mercy on his soul, brought me to tears! He was an upright man, who never missed his prayers and a very disciplined believer who served his people to the best of his ability. His name was synonymous with integrity. He was definitely one of those who made me develop a much better perception of Nigerians as a people. May Allah Almighty forgive your shortcomings and grant you the highest ranks of Jannah. Aameen. May Allah Almighty make it easy for his family, friends and the nation of Nigeria.
Former Presidential candidate for Labour Party, Peter Obi@PeterObi, mourns. “I have just received the very sad news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari in London. His death provides a solemn moment, not just for his family and close associates, but for our nation as a whole. President Buhari has always comported himself in a dignified manner as a leader.
“To his wife, children, extended family, and to all Nigerians I extend my deepest condolences. May Almighty Allah, Most Gracious and Most Merciful, forgive President Buhari’s shortcomings, reward his efforts in service to the nation, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus. Ameen.”
Goodluck E. Jonathan@GEJonathan said of his successor, “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 who died at the age of 82. President Buhari was a notable leader, patriot, and elder statesman who served our beloved nation as both a military Head of State and President, to the best of his abilities.
“He will be remembered as a courageous leader, a disciplined officer, and a committed public servant who made considerable contributions towards the peace and progress of our dear nation. The late President was deeply admired across the strata of society for his decency, integrity and exemplary life of service. As a leader, he was selfless in his commitment to his duty and served the country with character and a deep sense of patriotism.
“In his passing, Nigeria has lost one of its foremost leaders, and I have lost a respected colleague and elder. His legacy will continue to endure in the hearts of all who value sacrifice, integrity, perseverance, and devotion to national ethos. On behalf of my family and the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the good people of Katsina State and all Nigerians who mourn this great loss. May Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Jannatul Firdaus.”
Chidi Odinkalu, CGoF@ChidiOdinkalu, posted on his handle, ‘#Nigeria’s current rulers may need to be reminded: Those who die in foreign hospitals only get to return to the country as cargo. They don’t pass thro @immigrationng. Rather we clear them thro @CustomsNG as import. If u don’t want this, build a hospital that can work for u.”
- Omojuwa@Omojuwa, posted: “Beware of engagement farmers who will attempt to use President Buhari’s death to play on your emotions. Don’t get sucked into that abyss of foolishness. Muhammadu Buhari’s was a life well lived. Like all of us, he had his shortcomings but of all men, he was one of a kind. There will be those looking to dunk on his death. Don’t be that person. You are better than that. Love and blessings. Cheers to everyone.:
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai@elrufai, described the late president as a mentor. He said: “I mourn the departure of President Muhammadu Buhari. He was a leader who stood up for our country in war and peace. He made his contributions to our country’s progress as a military officer, head of state, and elected president.
“President 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 a variety of prominent persons.
“I had the privilege of working with him in the CPC. He asked me to lead the CPC Renewal Committee after the 2011 elections. Our committee recommended the imperative of the CPC merging with the ACN and other parties in time for the 2015 elections.
“President Buhari was my political mentor. He nudged me to contest for the governorship of Kaduna State, encouraged me by attending the flag-off of my campaign in November 2014, and stood by me to victory. I am profoundly grateful for his support during my tenure as governor and for the remarkable access he afforded me, even during rare moments of disagreement on policy matters. May Allah grant him Aljannah Firdaus and comfort his family, especially his wife Hajiya Aisha Buhari and his children, who have been such a formidable support.”
SEA KING (IFA OLUOKUN) @seaking303, noted: “Buhari is Dead. Some will mourn. Others will remember the pain—#EndSARS, silence, brutality. This is not about revenge. It’s about truth. Buhari’s chapter is closed. Nigeria’s is not. To those who died under his rule—we remember. We fight on.”
Oluwademilade@__DeeeCR7, also has something to say about the former president and Nigerian society about service men. She said: “Guy, my dad served in the Nigerian army for more than 35 years, yet when his beloved wife was sick, he couldn’t even get his pension for that month. My mom died, dad couldn’t take it and died 7 days later! If you like, let anybody gaslight you say “they don’t speak ill of the dead.””
Gimba Kakanda@gimbakakanda, said the late president was luckiest Nigerian.
His words: “Former President Muhammadu Buhari was arguably the luckiest Nigerian of our time, perhaps of all time. While former President Olusegun Obasanjo holds the record for the longest opportunity ever given to a Nigerian to lead the nation, closely followed by Buhari, what the latter enjoyed was a peculiar form of affection that will continue to intrigue generations of historians. That adoration did not come by accident.
“Even Buhari’s critics recognised that his popularity was no myth. He stood apart because he differed from others who held the same office or even lesser ones. He was demonstrably frugal. If he had pursued the primitive accumulation of wealth that defined many of his peers, he would easily have been among the wealthiest of them all.
“He was, like all of us, a flawed man, and was criticised for his transgressions. But his watch is over. So, to describe as punishment the long life of someone who lived into his eighties, especially by those half or a quarter his age, is an exercise in irony. It suggests that those of us who might die younger were the less favoured by God.
“This is not to gaslight those who feel they have something to say. Every citizen reserves the right to remember a public figure in a manner shaped by their experience. But just as we cannot dictate memory, neither can we impose empathy. Some people were raised on a different moral code, one that allows families the space to grieve, one that recognises that death, no matter how polarising the life that preceded it, is a pause that invites us to reflect on our own impermanence.
“The choice to show kindness, even to those with whom we once disagreed, is not hypocrisy. It is what defines our humanity. It is what separates us from lesser creatures, a moral sense of duty to honour life, even in its silence. May Allah forgive his shortcoming and repose his soul.”
Chikwe Ihekweazu@Chikwe_I said: “I feel a sense of gratitude for the President’s trust and support (during the pandemic). We were left to focus on what was most important: protecting the health of the Nigerian people. Page 116 of An Imperfect Storm Rest in peace, President @MBuhari.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria also spoke on her Xspace handle.
Sen Oluremi Tinubu, CON@SenRemiTinubu, mourns: “ It is with deep sadness I received the news of the passing of Former President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR. Our nation has 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. He was a man of immense courage, conviction, and a tireless advocate for justice and good governance. I recall his dedication to the common good, and his unwavering belief in the potential of every Nigerian.
“To his beloved wife, H E Hajia Aisha Buhari, his children, grandchildren and the entire family, I extend my deepest and most heartfelt condolences. 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. May Almighty Allah grant former President Muhammadu Buhari Aljanah Fridaus and comfort his wife, family and all Nigerians.”
Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Public Affairs, 2019 – 2023, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, also mourned the passing away of his boss.
Ajuri Ngelale @AjuriNgelale said: “My Recollections Of A Good Man And Great Leader: H.E. Former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR (1942 – 2025). His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, was my first boss in public service. Blessed with grace and unvarnished dignity, he was a man who — without exceptions — always did what he believed was right in every situation.
“He was an honest man of consistent simplicity, spartan discipline, and dogged dedication to the lifelong principles that guided his service as a decorated officer, military head of state, and popularly elected leader of Africa’s largest population.
“My former boss was a man of method, structure, and exemplary discipline who generations of Nigerians will remember as a leader of unimpeachable personal integrity. President Buhari was a progressive who believed in the great destiny of our nation, and a relentless champion of the nation’s disadvantaged.
“His legacies of widespread infrastructural provision across rail, road, seaports, airports, and power, and his humane investments in the provision of social amenities; alongside oil & gas sector reforms and the armament upgrades of the nation’s armed forces, amongst many other multi-faceted feats, will stand the test of time.
“He will be sorely missed by millions of his dedicated followers, and I shall forever be proud of our association and indebted to him for the opportunity he extended to me to serve the nation we love. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
