Former President Muhammadu Buhari is dead. He passed away at the age of 82. The news was confirmed on Sunday, July 13, 2025, by presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu, who stated that Buhari died in London after battling an illness for some time.

The announcement was also shared through official government channels by President Bola Tinubu’s team. Buhari passed away around 4:30 p.m. GMT while receiving medical care at a clinic in the United Kingdom.

Following the news of his death, President Tinubu expressed sadness and extended condolences to the former First Lady Aisha Buhari and the rest of the family. Tinubu also directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to oversee the process of bringing Buhari’s body back to Nigeria for burial.

Flags across the country have been ordered to fly at half-mast, and a state funeral is expected. The details of the funeral arrangements are yet to be officially released.

Atiku Abubakar has come down hard on President Bola Tinubu, blaming his swift removal of fuel subsidy for the economic pain many Nigerians are facing today. According to the former Vice President, the decision has only deepened inflation, hunger, and hopelessness across the country. Also, he slammed the arrest and ongoing detention of labour activist Comrade Andrew Uche Emelieze, calling it a direct attack on democracy and a clear warning sign of rising authoritarianism under Tinubu’s leadership.

In a statement released Sunday, Atiku accused the government of breaking its promise to workers. He pointed to the N35,000 wage award Tinubu promised as a temporary relief measure, saying it has now turned into yet another unfulfilled pledge. Emelieze was reportedly arrested while trying to lead a peaceful protest demanding the payment of that very wage award.

Atiku showed concern that it took the government almost a year to settle on a new minimum wage, describing the delay as unacceptable. He praised state governments that have handled labour matters better, contrasting them with the federal government, which he said has shown little to no concern for the welfare of Nigerian workers.

Finally, Atiku demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Emelieze and urged the government to stop using fear and repression as a response to citizens’ cries. “Nigerian workers are suffering,” he said. “The government needs to step up and respond with solutions, not silence or suppression.”

President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has sent a strong message to Peter Obi, cautioning him against forming a joint ticket with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 elections. Onanuga believes Obi would not enjoy the same level of passionate support he had in 2023 if he decides to play second fiddle to Atiku.

According to him, many of Obi’s supporters were drawn to his individual candidacy and would likely not back an alliance that makes him a running mate. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Onanuga maintained that the APC remains confident going into 2027. He said Tinubu’s work in office will speak volumes when it’s time to campaign again.

He added that while opposition figures like Obi, Atiku, and other political players are busy testing out alliances and strategies, the ruling party is focused on governance and delivery, which, he claims, will keep Tinubu in power beyond 2027. Obi and Atiku are currently involved in a political coalition that recently adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform.