🇳🇬 A Farewell to a Controversial Giant
On July 13, 2025, Nigeria received confirmation of the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari at the age of 82 in a London hospital. As news spread across social media, reactions from Nigerians were immediate, passionate, and polarizing. While some mourned a figure they saw as a disciplined patriot, others saw his passing as the end of a turbulent era defined by broken promises and hardship.
From X (formerly Twitter) to WhatsApp forums, Nigeria became a digital town hall of mourning, frustration, and heated debate—an emotional reflection of Buhari’s deeply complicated legacy.
🌟 Mourning a Man of Principle and Simplicity
Among Buhari’s ardent supporters, his passing was a solemn moment. Many from northern Nigeria and conservative circles described him as a symbol of discipline, national service, and moral rectitude.
“I’ve never seen my grandmother cry like this over any public figure. She just heard about Buhari’s passing and broke down completely. To her and many like her, he was a symbol of dignity and sacrifice. May Allah forgive him.” — @Waspapping_
Supporters often referenced his austere personal lifestyle, such as rejecting a ₦10 million food budget as President, and his military-era “War Against Indiscipline” campaign, aimed at restoring national order. For this group, Buhari was a bulwark against corruption and a stabilizer during turbulent times.
❄️ Indifference & Fatigue: The Silent Majority Speaks
However, not everyone was moved. A notable portion of Nigerians responded with cold indifference or passive acknowledgment of his death, revealing the disconnect many felt during and after his eight years in office.
“It’s shocking how public sentiment toward Buhari is so cold. People aren’t even moved. A reflection of how disconnected or disappointed the public was with his leadership.” — @shigoubouncing
Critics cite Nigeria’s slide into economic recession (2016), worsening insecurity, and a devalued naira as hallmarks of his time in power. For millions who suffered under rising fuel costs, inflation, and unemployment, mourning seemed misplaced.
💢 Anger and Resentment: "Good Riddance"
For others, Buhari’s death reopened old wounds. Far from mourning, these voices reacted with outright anger, seeing his tenure as one of national regression.
“Buhari has died... I’m one of the happiest people today. 8 solid years of my life wasted. May his soul know no peace.” — @Franeb
“Indifferent about Buhari’s demise. The only sadness I feel is that he died too late, after ruining our lives.” — @GoalGutter
Their frustration points to unmet expectations: high youth unemployment, stalled infrastructure projects, and a weakening of democratic freedoms—including the infamous Twitter ban in 2021, condemned globally as censorship.
🏥 Medical Tourism and a “National Shame”
A major source of public ire was Buhari’s persistent absence from Nigeria due to health reasons. During his presidency, he spent over 230 days abroad for medical treatment—mostly in the UK—while local hospitals suffered from neglect.
“A man who couldn't fix the healthcare system he ran for eight years still died in a London hospital. The irony is loud.” — @meandersinsane
Critics like activist Omoyele Sowore frequently lambasted this practice, calling it a betrayal of public trust and an embarrassment to a nation of over 200 million people.
🔥 Ethnic & Political Divides in Full View
The reactions also laid bare Nigeria’s deep ethnic and regional divides, particularly between the North and South-East.
“Who put us together in this country? The Igbos (Obidients) are celebrating Buhari’s death 💔🤦” — @waley_cypress
Buhari’s crackdown on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the arrest of its leader Nnamdi Kanu alienated many Igbos. The long-circulating conspiracy theory that Buhari had died earlier and was replaced by a body double only deepened the mistrust. While debunked by fact-checkers, it captured the level of skepticism surrounding his presidency.
🧭 Reflecting on a Divisive Legacy
In a country of diverse ethnicities, religions, and political views, Buhari’s death has reopened national conversations on leadership, justice, and accountability.
“There’s no joy in Buhari dying. But no pain either. Just a void left by a man who had the chance to fix Nigeria and didn’t.” — @Chydee
For many Nigerians, Buhari represented both promise and betrayal. His military credentials and anti-corruption rhetoric raised high hopes in 2015. But by 2023, disillusionment had taken root, driven by worsening living conditions and unmet campaign pledges.
📌 Death of a Man, Debate of a Legacy
In conclusion as Nigeria reflects on Muhammadu Buhari’s death, the nation remains split—mourning, indifferent, or embittered. What is clear, however, is that his leadership will remain a major talking point for years to come.
In the digital age, public memory lives online. And the legacy of Buhari, like his presidency, will be shaped not just by policy but by the perceptions and voices of everyday Nigerians.
📣 Join the Conversation!
✅ What are your thoughts on Buhari’s death and legacy?
✅ Did he leave Nigeria better than he met it—or worse?
✅ Share your perspective in the comments. Let your voice count.
#Buhari #NigeriaPolitics #LegacyOfLeadership #NaijaVoices
Sources
- Buhari’s Profile – Wikipedia
- Sahara Reporters
- Ripples Nigeria
- Various public posts via X on 13 July 2025
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