Human rights activist and pro-democracy campaigner, Omoyele Sowore, has reacted to the reported death of former Nigerian President and military ruler, Muhammadu Buhari, describing his legacy as one marked by repression, economic hardship, insecurity, and religious intolerance.
Buhari was said to have died in a London hospital, with sources attributing the cause to leukemia.
In a strongly worded statement, Sowore did not hold back in his criticism of the late leader. He described Buhari as a man who twice held the reins of power—first as a military ruler in the 1980s and later as a civilian president from 2015 to 2023—but failed to uplift the country or heal its divisions.
Sowore, known for his fierce opposition to successive governments, has long been a critic of Buhari’s policies and leadership style. During the president’s time in office, the activist was repeatedly arrested and detained over his protests and public statements.
Though tributes have begun to pour in from political allies and party loyalists, Sowore’s remarks reflect the deep divide in how Buhari’s leadership is remembered.