The family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu, and other Nigerians for their support during the period of mourning and burial rites for the former leader.
In a statement signed by Malam Mamman Daura, the most senior member of the Buhari family, the family described the outpouring of sympathy and solidarity as “deeply comforting” and thanked all those who stood with them at home and abroad.
“It is truly comforting to receive such support from the President and Vice President Kashim Shettima, who travelled to the United Kingdom and later visited Daura with ministers during the mourning period. These gestures have given us the courage to face this loss,” the family said.
The Buharis also commended President Tinubu for declaring a public holiday in honour of the late president and renaming the University of Maiduguri after him, describing the actions as “thoughtful and reassuring.”
The family extended its appreciation to world leaders and dignitaries who condoled with them through visits, letters, phone calls and representatives. Among them were King Charles III of England, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, his deputy Amina Mohammed, the Chairman of the African Union, leaders of ECOWAS countries, and former Nigerian Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
“Muhammadu Buhari’s demise is an irreparable loss and its pain is beyond words, but the general reaction and kind expressions give us the strength to cope with the loss of our esteemed family member and former leader of the country,” the statement read.
The family also thanked Vice President Shettima and his wife, all state governors, particularly the host governor of Katsina, Dr Dikko Umar Radda, and Professor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, as well as political leaders across party lines, including former governors and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, for their words of comfort.
Past and serving Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar, Architect Namadi Sambo, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, along with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and other lawmakers at both national and state levels, were also recognised.
The family acknowledged the support of traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto, the Shehu of Borno, the Emir of Gwandu, and the host emirs of Katsina and Daura, among others.
Religious leaders across faiths, community organisations, security agencies, business leaders such as Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Muhammadu Indimi, Dahiru Mangal, Kola Adesina and Nasiru Danu, and the general Nigerian public were all praised for standing with the family during their time of grief.
“All of Nigeria came out in force to bury Buhari, condole with us, and pray for him. We are deeply grateful for the visits, condolence messages, and prayers. May Almighty Allah bless and reward you all,” the family said.
The statement, signed by former presidential aide Garba Shehu on behalf of the family, was issued on July 20, 2025.