A cartoon by Mike Asuquo portrayed that Buhari was a divisive leader
Nigerians Hold Late President Buhari to Account in Death
Abuja, Nigeria — Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who handed over power to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in May 2023, has died in London on Sunday. The news of his passing has triggered a wave of mixed reactions across the country, reflecting deep divisions over his legacy.
While Buhari, a retired Major General and two-time national leader, was mourned by many in Nigeria’s predominantly Muslim North—his region of origin—citizens from the largely Christian South are publicly defying the cultural norm of refraining from criticism of the deceased. Instead, they are using the occasion to voice longstanding grievances about his presidency, which many describe as marked by ethno-religious favoritism, policy inertia, and authoritarian tendencies.
Social media platforms have been flooded with debates and memorial posts, not all in praise of the former leader. A politically charged cartoon by celebrated Nigerian cartoonist, Mike Asuquo, went viral online shortly after the announcement of Buhari’s death. The illustration depicted Buhari as a polarizing figure who left Nigeria more divided than he met it—fueling a broader public reckoning with his leadership.
Human rights activist and opposition figure Omoyele Sowore sharply criticized the late president, calling him a “tyrant” and urging Nigerians to “remember the victims of tyranny instead of mourning the tyrant.” Sowore’s statement gained traction, particularly among younger Nigerians who actively resisted Buhari’s administration during the #EndSARS protests and other moments of civic unrest.
Buhari’s death has become a flashpoint for national reflection, highlighting the deep fault lines that continue to shape Nigeria’s politics. His supporters recall him as a disciplined and incorruptible leader who sought to restore order to a troubled nation, while critics accuse him of presiding over a period marked by economic decline, insecurity, and democratic backsliding.
The Federal Government has released an official statement on national mourning or burial arrangements on Tuesday. State and national flags were seen flying at half-mast in some locations Monday morning.
As the nation grapples with his legacy, Buhari’s passing serves not only as the end of a political era but also as a moment for Nigerians to confront the complexities of leadership, memory, and national unity.
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