London: Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s former president who made history as the first opposition candidate to defeat a sitting president, has died at the age of 82. Buhari, who served two terms and left office in 2023, passed away at a clinic in London, as confirmed by his former spokesman, Garba Shehu, through a social media announcement.

According to France24.com, Buhari’s presidency was marked by persistent health issues and rumors, which overshadowed his time in office. His initial electoral victory, following three unsuccessful attempts, was considered a significant political shift in Nigeria, where re-election for incumbents was often expected. However, his administration faced criticism for its inability to address corruption and insecurity effectively.

Throughout his tenure, Buhari’s leadership was challenged by economic difficulties and controversial responses to protests. Critics frequently accused him of nepotism, citing his appointment of northern allies to key government positions, which exacerbated regional tensions between Nigeria’s north and south.