Nigeria Marks First Anniversary of President Muhammadu Buhari's Death

Nigerian leaders, traditional rulers, and family members gathered at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Abuja on July 13, 2026, to mark the first anniversary of former President Muhammadu Buhari's passing. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, led the tributes, praising Buhari's transition from military leader to a defender of constitutional order and urging current leaders to emulate his honesty and self-discipline.

During the ceremony, former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon commended Buhari's patriotism, specifically his role in avoiding a post-election crisis in 2015. Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai highlighted Buhari's strategic resolve in ordering the military to degrade Boko Haram. To preserve his legacy, Boss Mustapha announced the establishment of the Muhammadu Buhari Foundation and Centre. Additionally, Safina Buhari noted that proceeds from a book about her father's life funded a new Computer Science Complex at Al-Qalam University in Katsina.

Parallel to the commemorations, former Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika defended the late president's record in a televised interview. Sirika asserted that Buhari left Nigeria with a flourishing economy and improved security, arguing that both the Buhari and Tinubu administrations have operated under the shared ideology of the All Progressives Congress. Despite the broad attendance, the event saw the notable absence of several South-East governors and former Minister Rotimi Amaechi.