Sunday, 13 July 2025

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) extends its condolences to the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria following the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari. We send our sympathies to his family, loved ones, and all those affected by his death.

Muhammadu Buhari was born in 1942 in Daura, in what is now Katsina State, Nigeria. He enrolled in the Nigerian Military Training College at a young age, before completing advanced military training in the United Kingdom and later in India. Rising through the ranks of the Nigerian Army, Buhari held several key positions, including Governor of the then-Northeastern State and Federal Commissioner for Petroleum under General Olusegun Obasanjo.

Buhari first came to power through a military coup in December 1983, ousting the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari. He led Nigeria as a military ruler until 1985, running an administration defined by his so-called “War Against Indiscipline.” In 2015, after several failed attempts, Buhari returned to power as a democratically elected president under the All Progressives Congress (APC), defeating incumbent Goodluck Jonathan in a historic transfer of power. He was re-elected in 2019 and served a second term until 2023.

Buhari’s presidency was marked by attempts to tackle corruption, ongoing battles with Boko Haram, and efforts to revitalise Nigeria’s economy. Yet his government was also accused of nepotism, economic mismanagement, and failure to adequately address insecurity and rising poverty. Buhari’s legacy is also irreparably tainted by his government’s violent and repressive response to the historic #EndSARS movement in 2020: a watershed moment in Nigeria’s democracy.

The #EndSARS protests were sparked by widespread reports of abuse, extortion, and killings by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit of the Nigerian Police. The movement quickly grew into a nationwide uprising against police brutality and government impunity, driven primarily by Nigeria’s courageous youth.

On 20 October 2020, during peaceful demonstrations at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, Nigerian military forces opened fire on unarmed protesters. The resulting massacre shocked the world with over 50 people losing their lives. Despite overwhelming evidence, including live-streamed videos, forensic reports, and eyewitness accounts, Buhari’s administration denied any wrongdoing and were never held accountable.

While Buhari’s earlier attempts to combat corruption and his commitment to national unity are highly noted, these efforts cannot outweigh the pain and injustice experienced by those brutalised under his rule.  Therefore, as the African continent reflects on the life and death of Muhammadu Buhari, we call on all African leaders to recommit to building societies where they govern with transparency, compassion, and accountability.

May his soul rest in peace, and may the struggle for a truly free and democratic Nigeria live on.

ISSUED BY ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Sinawo Thambo (National Spokesperson) 072 629 7422

Thembi Msane (National Spokesperson) 061 467 8169

Andiswa Madikazi (Parliament Media Liason) 069 516 4924

Thato Lebyane (Media Inquiries) 078 563 1581