Tributes have continued to pour in following the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, with former leaders including Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida, and Yemi Osinbajo offering heartfelt condolences and reflections on his legacy.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described Buhari as a statesman, colleague, respected soldier, and fellow patriot whose absence would be deeply felt.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Obasanjo, who served as military Head of State in 1976 and later as civilian President from 1999 to 2007, expressed sadness that Buhari died at a time when his wisdom and leadership experience were still greatly needed.
“I received this afternoon the passing of a colleague, a comrade, a co-patriot, Gen. Muhammad Buhari who as an administrator played his role as an administrator, as a soldier, he played his role as a soldier and as a statesman, he played his role as a statesman to the nation,” Obasanjo said.
He continued, “His death is a great loss to the nation because at a time like this we need the totality of experience or what I may call the statesmanship of all those who have had the opportunity of governing this country in the past to get us out of our present situation. He would be sorely missed and may his soul rest in perfect peace.”
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Also mourning the former president was retired General Ibrahim Babangida, who served as Nigeria’s military ruler between 1985 and 1993. In an emotional tribute, Babangida recounted the long-standing bond he shared with Buhari, which began during their military training over six decades ago.
“It is with a deeply heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of my friend, my brother, my course mate, and a fellow soldier in the journey of nationhood — President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR,” he said.
“Our paths crossed in 1962 when we both joined the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna,” he recalled, praising Buhari’s quiet strength, discipline, humility, and patriotism. “Through the years, we shared trenches and trials, dreams and disappointments, victories and moments of reflection. Our bond was forged not only by military training, but by a shared commitment to the ideals of service, discipline, and love for country.”
Similarly, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo paid tribute to the late leader in a statement he personally signed, describing Buhari as a “true patriot” whose life stood for integrity, service, and discipline.
Osinbajo, who served as Buhari’s deputy from 2015 to 2023, revealed that he and his wife, Dolapo, were devastated by the news of the former president’s death in a London hospital.
“Dolapo and I received, with profound sadness, the news of the passing of His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon,” he wrote.
“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.”
According to him, Buhari’s unwavering dedication to the Nigerian people defined his time in office. “Nigeria has lost a true patriot—a man whose life was marked by unyielding devotion to the nation he loved,” Osinbajo said.
“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.”
He concluded his tribute with prayers for comfort for the family and all those mourning the late leader. “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,” he added.
