ECOWAS lauds former Nigerian President Buhari as a distinguished statesman

The Economic Community of West African States is mourning the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a distinguished statesman whose leadership advanced democracy and regional cooperation across West Africa. In a statement by ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray said the organisation extended heartfelt condolences to Buhari’s family, Nigeria’s current president, and its citizens.

Buhari first governed Nigeria as a military head of state in the 1980s before returning in the democratic era to serve as president from 2015 to 2023. His 2015 election marked a historic milestone—becoming the first opposition candidate to unseat an incumbent president in Nigeria.

Despite praise for his anti-corruption campaign and discipline-focused governance, public sentiment remains divided. Political analysts note that mixed reactions to his death reflect enduring tensions over his record on economic management, human rights, and national unity