President Bola Tinubu and a roll-call of Nigeria’s past heads of state are expected to converge on Daura today as the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari are laid to rest, in keeping with Islamic tradition.

This is as Vice-President Kashim Shettima, directed by the President, accompanied Buhari’s remains from London where he died at around 04:30 pm Sunday.

Presidency officials who spoke to The PUNCH Sunday night confirmed that the former President’s remains would arrive the country early Monday to be flown to his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, for burial.

“The burial is tomorrow (Monday). They’re bringing his corpse over the night. They’ll go straight to Daura. So, they’ll bury him tomorrow (Monday).

“You know, the Islamic rites don’t take time,” one official said preferring to stay anonymous.

Another source explained, “When the corpse arrives, we are sure the President would go there. After they go to Daura, the President can join them there.”

On whether the other African heads of state are expected to arrive Nigeria for condolence visits, a third official stated, “Yes, there would be mainly West African Leaders. But we don’t know who and who until they start to communicate on Monday.”

The official added, “The body will arrive early tomorrow and be buried. We’ll start having heads of state from West Africa. It is likely that some will come.

“If they come they will stay in their hotels until they get a time to see the President tomorrow (Monday).

“You know, the President just came back early hours of today. And he’s still resting.”

Tinubu had announced the passing of his predecessor who died following a prolonged undisclosed illness.

“President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow and offered his deep condolences,” a statement signed by his Special Adviser in Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed Sunday.

The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu Announces President Buhari’s Passing, Orders VP Shettima To The Uk To Accompany Body Back Home.’

“President Tinubu has also ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari’s body back to Nigeria,” Onanuga further revealed.

Tinubu ordered flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader.

The President also summoned an emergency session of the Federal Executive Council scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in honour of the late former President.

In a heartfelt tribute he personally signed Sunday evening, the President confirmed that Buhari would be accorded full state Honours.

“As a mark of respect to our former leader, I have directed that all national flags fly at half-staff across the country for seven days from today,” Tinubu wrote.

He added, “I have also summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council session on Tuesday, dedicated to his honour.”

The President said the late Buhari’s passing filled him with “profound sorrow and a heavy heart,” adding that Nigeria has lost “a patriot, a soldier, a statesman.”

“President Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures.

“He served Nigeria with unwavering dedication, first as a military leader from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023.

“Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life,” Tinubu wrote.

The President also described Buhari as a man who “stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential.”

He praised Buhari’s efforts in confronting corruption and instilling discipline in public service.

“He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn,” said Tinubu.

In his tribute, President Tinubu also acknowledged the people and traditional leadership of Daura, the late leader’s hometown in Katsina State.

“In this moment of national mourning, I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Aisha, with whom I have been in constant touch, his children, the entire Buhari family, and all who knew and loved him.”

“I also extend my condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, most especially the people and traditional leaders of Daura Emirate,” he stated.

President Tinubu assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would organise a funeral that reflects Buhari’s “towering contributions to our country,” and prayed for Allah to grant him eternal peace.

“We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul,” he said, praying, “May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus. And may his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness.”

The octogenarian had travelled to London in late June for follow-up care related to an undisclosed condition.

Buhari’s health required extended medical leaves during his two-term presidency.

During his tenure he made at least 13 medical trips to the United Kingdom.

Buhari’s first known medical visit occurred in June 2016, just over a year after assuming office. That trip lasted 10 days.

However, by 2017, his medical leaves became more frequent and prolonged.

In May 2017, Buhari departed for London and remained there for over 100 days, marking his longest medical absence from the country and raising concerns about the delegation of presidential duties.

His visits, sometimes announced abruptly, were typically accompanied by brief official statements indicating they were for “routine check-ups.”

Between 2018 and 2021, Buhari reportedly visited London for medical reasons at least once a year, including trips in April 2021 and March 2022.

His final known medical visit as president came in October 2022, just months before the end of his tenure.

Meanwhile tributes and condolences have continued to flow since Buhari’s passing became public.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described the late former President as a statesman, a colleague, a reputable soldier and co-patriot who will be sorely missed.

Chief Obasanjo who lead Nigeria as a military head of state in 1976 and democratically elected president from 1999-2007 described as unfortunate that the Kastina-born leader passed when his experience is urgently needed to proffer solutions to myriads of its challenges.

The former president disclosed this while speaking to journalists on Sunday.

Obasanjo said, “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.

“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.”

Also, former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida (retd.),said he was saddened with the sudden demise Buhari.

In an emotion-laden tribute,he said, ”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.

“Our paths crossed in 1962 when we both joined the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna.

“From those early days, Muhammadu stood out — quiet yet resolute, principled yet humble, deeply patriotic and fiercely loyal to Nigeria.

“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.”

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has also mourned the death of the ex-President describing him as “a true patriot” whose life exemplified discipline, integrity, and service to the nation.

In a personal tribute he signed on Sunday, Osinbajo said he and his wife, Dolapo, were deeply saddened by the news of Buhari’s passing in a London hospital earlier in the day.

He wrote, “Dolapo and I received, with profound sadness, the news of the passing of His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon.

“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.”

The former Vice President described Buhari’s life as one marked by an unwavering devotion to the Nigerian people.

“Nigeria has lost a true patriot—a man whose life was marked by unyielding devotion to the nation he loved.

“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 said.

Osinbajo served as Vice President under Buhari from 2015 to 2023.

 He prayed for strength and comfort for the late president’s family and for all who mourn him.

 “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,” Osinbajo wrote.

Following the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari in London, contrasting scenes emerged at his residences in Kaduna and Daura.

When one of our correspondents visited Buhari’s home in Kaduna on Sunday, the area was largely deserted. Neighbours wore solemn expressions, visibly affected by the news of his death, but there were no signs of mourners or visitors entering or leaving the residence located on Sultan Lane, off Sultan Road.

 Two military trucks were stationed at the entrance, with armed security personnel politely turning journalists away and redirecting them further down Sultan Road. Attempts by reporters to speak with family members or gain access to the residence were unsuccessful, as non-residents were strictly barred.

Buhari’s Kaduna home is located in an upscale neighbourhood known for housing several prominent Nigerian political figures, including the families of the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and former Finance Minister and Labour Party leader, Nenadi Usman.

 In contrast, Buhari’s hometown of Daura in Katsina State witnessed a steady stream of sympathisers arriving to pay their respects just hours after the announcement of his death. Mourners came from within and outside Daura, filling the premises of his residence.

 A close family member, speaking anonymously to The PUNCH, confirmed that the late President’s body would be flown back to Nigeria for burial in Daura.

 “Call me later for further confirmation on this. But we are not allowing journalists access to the residence for now,” he said.

 Although it was unclear which family members were present to receive condolences, the turnout of sympathisers was significant. Meanwhile, in Katsina town, groups of people gathered quietly in areas such as Shagari Low Cost, KSTA, and Layafa Palace, many visibly emotional as they shared memories of the late President.

 The atmosphere in Katsina remained somber as the state government, civic groups, and members of the public offered prayers for the repose of Buhari’s soul and strength for his grieving family. Official funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.

 The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, in a statement signed by its chairman, AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, on Sunday stated, “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum receives with a profound sense of loss and sadness the death of His Excellency former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, in London, on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

“This death is a significant depletion in the rank of Africa’s all-time great men. Muhammadu Buhari was not just a former President or military leader; he was a national political leader with profound moral courage, character, and amazing sense of duty. He would be remembered for his humility, strategic patience, and modest lifestyle.

“We send our deepest condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the painful loss of his dear friend, compatriot, immediate predecessor, and fellow party man.”

Nigerian Governors under the All Progressives Congress in a condolence message signed by the chairman of the forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, said the forum extended its heartfelt condolences to all Nigerians and the family of the late former President.

 “With the passing of President Buhari, Nigeria bids farewell to one of its most emblematic figures of honest and dedicated leadership; an era shaped by integrity, patriotism, and uncommon sacrifice,” Uzodimma said.

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, in a message signed by him, described described Buhari’s death as a loss to the entire nation.

“President Muhammadu Buhari was an iconic figure whose life embodied discipline, integrity and a steadfast commitment to the service of Nigeria.

“His legacy is one of sacrifice, selflessness, and steadfast commitment to the unity, security and progress of our dear country.

“To us in the Northern Governors’ Forum, President Buhari was not just a national icon, but also a mentor and moral compass that stood firm on the principles of accountability, transparency and good governance. He mentored with humility, governed with courage and lived a life marked by simplicity and patriotism,” he stated.

In a statement, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said, “Former President Muhammadu Buhari dead? It is hard to process this news at the moment. We had expected, like he did in the past, that he would pull through at this time, but we take profound comfort in the fact that he left great imprints on the sands of time.

“Both as military Head of State and as civilian President, Buhari made accountability his watchword. Although his time as military Head of State had the usual elements of leadership style that is not acceptable in a democracy, it is significant that Buhari was able to reinvent himself and govern Nigeria for two terms as elected President, recording monumental achievements in infrastructure, from road to rail.”

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed stated, “President Buhari was a great leader who served Nigeria with commitment and a deep sense of duty.  His contributions to national development and his steadfastness in leadership will be remembered.”

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, said “Nigeria has lost a statesman. History has gained a legend.”

He added, “It is with profound sorrow and complete submission to the will of Almighty Allah that we receive the news of the passing of one of Nigeria’s most revered sons — President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

 “A towering figure in our national life: he was a soldier, statesman, reformer, and, above all, a beloved leader of the people.”

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, also commiserated with the nation over the death of the former President.

He noted that Buhari, during his remarkable service, left indelible marks on the nation’s history, insisting that the former President served Nigeria with unwavering courage and conviction, consistently prioritising the nation’s interests and the well-being of its people.

The governor added, “The country will miss a statesman, a patriot, and a leader who committed his entire life to the service of Nigeria.”

“President Buhari lived with quiet dignity and unwavering commitment to the service of Nigeria. His courage in confronting corruption and insisting on accountability in public life inspired millions. A man of spartan simplicity and deep faith, he remained grounded in the values of justice and fairness, always aligning himself with the hopes and struggles of the ordinary Nigerian — the talakawa, whom he championed with conviction,” Sani added.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kebbi State, Ahmed Idris, said, “On behalf of the governor and good people of Kebbi State, we joined Nigerians in mourning the loss of the immediate past president of the country, President Muhammadu Buhari, May Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings.”

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, in a statement, said, “The late former President was a true patriot, a disciplined leader, and a man of unwavering integrity who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria. It is with a heavy heart that we received the news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.”

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, stated, “We have lost a great leader. This is indeed a monumental loss to Nigeria in particular and Africa as a whole”.

According to Governor Oyebanji, the late Buhari did not only serve the country meritoriously right from his youthful days as a military officer, he lived an exemplary life of selfless service to the nation and led the nation at two different periods – as a military head of state and two-term President and Commander-in-Chief, where he put in his very best.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, commiserated with the wife of the former President, Aisha Buhari, and his family, praying to God to grant repose to his soul.

Makinde, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media) Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, made available to newsmen on Sunday, described Buhari’s death as unexpected, noting that the former President made his mark in serving the country.

More tributes

Also, the Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Rauf Aregbesola, in a statement on his official Facebook page said Nigeria had lost a statesman who had a strong belief in the country’s potential as a united nation.

Aregbesola stated, “Today we bid farewell to President Muhammadu Buhari, a leader who served Nigeria with deep conviction and unwavering principle. His commitment to integrity and national unity defined his public service.

“Nigeria has lost a statesman who believed deeply in our potential as one nation. We have gained the enduring example of a leader who remained true to his values.”

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the deceased as one of the most patriotic Nigerians to have ever lived.

In a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Abbas described Buhari as an officer and statesman who made a name for himself as ‘incorruptible’ and lived a life defined by simplicity and a remarkable absence of materialism, “virtues that earned him widespread respect and trust across the country.”

“He was a fine officer of the Nigerian Army and politician of repute, who got to the peak of his military and political careers. He was disciplined, patriotic, modest, and upright. He served the nation most of his life in different capacities. Only a few Nigerians have the privilege to have so served their country.

“Buhari carved a niche for himself as an incorruptible leader, a man of integrity, and an unflinching commitment to nation-building. His life was also defined by uncommon simplicity,” the Speaker said.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, added, “President Buhari was not just a towering figure in our nation’s history but a man whose life embodied discipline, resilience, and patriotism. Throughout his lifetime, he was committed to Nigeria’s unity, security and development.”

Former Governor of Sokoto State and Senator representing Sokoto North, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, stated, “Nigeria has lost one of its most iconic and selfless leaders—an incorruptible patriot, a disciplined statesman, and a symbol of integrity who dedicated his entire life to the service of our nation with honour, courage, and unshakable commitment.”

The Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nigeria’s immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement through his media aide, Paul Mumeh, Senator Mark noted, “Nigeria has lost a hero, an uncommon patriot and a selfless leader who gave his all for the good of our nation. The greatest sacrifice which would be difficult to fault was his love for this country, particularly, her unity.”

The President of the Ninth Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, described the news of the death as a sad and shaking event.

“As a fellow servant of the people, I am deeply shaken by this loss, having had the privilege of working closely with him during our time in the 9th National Assembly. Our collaboration was marked by mutual respect and a shared vision for a stronger, more unified Nigeria, where every decision was guided by the welfare of our citizens.

“President Buhari’s leadership was exemplary, characterised by his resolute integrity, strategic foresight, and dedication to national security and economic stability. I witnessed firsthand his tireless efforts to steer our country through challenging times, always prioritising the greater good over personal gain.”

An APC stalwart in Akwa Ibom State, Group Captain Sam Ewang (retd.), said, “Buhari’s death is shocking, he did not look like someone who was ill, but suddenly i just heard that he slumped in a medical facility. God knows everything, may his soul rest in perfect peace.”

The lawmaker representing Delta Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Ede Dafinone, in a signed statement made available to journalists in Warri on Sunday noted that  ex-President Buhari’s “legacy of service will be remembered for his strong stance on anti-corruption, his focus on national security, and his commitment to infrastructure development.”

“Above all, he stood for discipline, integrity, and the enduring unity of our country,” he added.

Former Governor of Plateau State and Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District Simon Lalong said he received with shock the passing of former President Buhari.

In a statement on Sunday, Lalong said, “As a democrat, President Buhari again demonstrated his confidence and passion for the nation when he contested elections severally before eventually emerging successful in 2025.”

The former Plateau governor added that he enjoyed close working relationship with the former President during his tenure and continues to value the lessons, experience and wisdom he gained working with him.

A former Governor of Kaduna State and ex-National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, said,

“President Buhari’s services to Nigeria across time will not be forgotten by many generations of our people. From the fight he fought for the preservation of the unity and integrity of the country as a young officer of the Nigerian Army, to his stints as Military Governor of the then North Eastern State and later Borno State, Minister of Petroleum, GOC, Head of State as well as Executive Chairman of the defunct Petroleum Trust Fund and lately as a two-term President, he demonstrated total commitment to the country and humanity,” Makarfi said.

Also, a chieftain of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Anthony Sani, has expressed sadness over the demise of Nigeria’s immediate past President, Mr Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the former ACF Secretary General said, “Former President Buhari may be no more but no one can fill the void he has left behind. But in a way, he is very much around, since he needs no tombstone to remind us of his legacy.

“The demise of former President Buhari is a huge loss not only to his loved ones but to the whole country.”

The northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria described Buhari as a father figure whose leadership left a lasting imprint on the nation’s history.

In a statement issued in Kaduna on Sunday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said Buhari’s passing marked the end of a significant era in Nigeria’s political evolution.

“Though opinions were divided on some of his policies while in office, no one can take away from him his patriotism, discipline and desire for a united Nigeria,” Hayab stated.

“He was a statesman who launched the famous ‘War Against Indiscipline and Corruption.’ His contributions will remain subjects of national discourse for a long time.”

Ahmed Amshi and Dele Ogunyemi