By: Thomas Abidoye

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially announced the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The announcement was made through a press statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

According to the statement, Buhari died in London on Sunday around 4:30 p.m. after battling a prolonged illness.

President Tinubu has already spoken with the late President’s widow, Mrs. Aishat Buhari, to express his condolences.

In a swift response, the President directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom.

The Vice President is expected to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria for official burial rites.

Flags across the country have been ordered to fly at half-staff in honor of the late leader.

Buhari served as Nigeria’s democratically elected President in 2015 and was re-elected in 2019.

He was also Nigeria’s military Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985.