TRACKING TIMES EDITORIAL

Nigeria’s presidency has confirmed that Former Muhammadu Buhari passed away on July 13, 2025 in London at 4:30 p.m. GMT, after a prolonged illness while receiving medical treatment in the UK. His press secretary confirmed the former president’s departure today.

Medical Journey & Cause of Death

• Buhari traveled to London in April 2025 for what was reported as a routine check-up. It escalated into a longer hospital stay after he became seriously ill, and died in the process.
• His spokesperson noted he was “stable and responding well to treatment”. However, media insiders later revealed he spent time in the ICU. He was battling an intestinal disorder worsened by advanced age (Sahara Reporters).
• No official medical cause has been provided. Given his age and underlying conditions, it seems the illness became progressively fatal.
• Official statements have not disclosed a specific cause of death, citing family privacy and medical confidentiality.

Legacy: Polarizing, Complex, Contradictory

🔻 Failures & Criticism

• Economic Decline: His presidency (2015–2023) coincided with Nigeria’s most severe economic slump. This period was marked by recession and high inflation. Youth unemployment was near 20% (The Washington Post).
• Medical Tourism: Despite pledging to stop medical tourism, Buhari spent over 230 days abroad in the UK for health reasons. This drew criticism over his neglect of the Nigerian healthcare system (PIONEER NEWS).
• Security Failures: The government claimed victory over Boko Haram. However, the insurgency persisted. His regime’s crackdown, including the #EndSARS protests, resulted in civilian deaths. This led to continued civil unrest.
• Human Rights Allegations: The 2021 rendition of Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya under controversial legal grounds drew widespread condemnation.

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• Democratic Milestone: according to The Washington Post, His 2015 ousting of incumbent Goodluck Jonathan marked the first peaceful transfer of power to an opposition candidate in Nigeria’s history
• Anti-corruption Campaign: Under him, the EFCC saw over 600 convictions. These included high-profile arrests. However, critics labeled the effort as politically selective.
• Political Stagnation: Citizens criticized a lack of coherent development and sluggish reforms that fell short of campaign promises.

The Rendition Controversy: Nnamdi Kanu

In June 2021, Buhari’s administration executed a highly controversial rendition of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya. They bypassed extradition processes. This action raised serious concerns about international law and human rights.

The Legacy of a Polarizing Leader
🚫 Notable Failures
Economic Backslide: Buhari’s rule (2015–2023) coincided with Nigeria’s worst economic slump. There was high unemployment, and Nigeria faced a recession.

Political Stagnation: Citizens criticized a lack of coherent development and sluggish reforms that fell short of campaign promises.

🎯 Lessons & Moving Forward

1. Promise vs. Delivery: Political pledges must be backed by local capacity—healthcare, security, and economy. Buhari’s shortcomings in these areas serve as stark lessons.
2. Medical Transparency: Lack of clarity around leaders’ health fosters mistrust. Open reporting and health infrastructure investments are vital.
3. Selective Justice Undermines Rule: Anti-corruption efforts must be impartial to build public confidence.
4. Legacy Is Not One-Dimensional: Buhari’s tenure reminds us that leaders can simultaneously break ground and fall short.

📌 Conclusion

Muhammadu Buhari’s death closes a contentious chapter in Nigeria’s history. His legacy is defined by democratic symbolism and anti-corruption zeal. However, it is shadowed by widespread economic hardship, security challenges, and civil rights controversies. These include the rendition of Nnamdi Kanu.

Tributes pour in, and national mourning begins. Nigerians are left to weigh his achievements. They must consider the structural failures that occurred under his leadership. His passing is a moment of grief. It is also a call to reevaluate the trajectory of leadership, democracy, and policy in Africa’s most populous nation.

• References:
• Reuters
• The Washington Post