Like Abacha, like Buhari?

Damilola Agubata 18:40 - 14 July 2025

Are Nigerians reacting to Buhari's death differently from Abacha's death?

Nigerian citizens were met with the unexpected news of the passing of former president Muhammadu Buhari; and within hours up until now, the reactions that have followed are reminiscent of the aftermath of late Gen Sani Abacha's death announcement.

Some of those reacting to the recent passing of former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, were barely sentient when the death of late Nigerian military ruler, Sani Abacha was announced 27 years ago in June 1998.

While death remains a tragic and unwanted event, sentiments expressed in reaction to it typically vary depending on a number of factors which include the level of goodwill the deceased enjoyed while alive as well as their state of being as they breathed their last.

For the aforementioned leaders, their deaths occurred at seemingly inconspicuous moments but that didn't prevent them from assuming national historic status, largely because of the closely similar nature of the reactions that trailed the respective announcements.

How did Nigerians react to Abacha's death in 1998?

Obtained evidence from Nigeria's foremost digital news library, Archivi.ng, shows that the death of Abacha was well-received with pleasure and jubilation by Nigerians in 1998.

Excerpts from the news item published by P.M News on June 9, 1998 reveal the great celebrations that filled the air and streets once the death of the military ruler became public knowledge.

A front cover story of the specific issue boldly carried the headline, "Abacha Has Paid For His Sins", capturing the brazen and unapologetic thrill that enveloped the atmosphere across the board.

How are Nigerians reacting to the death of Buhari in 2025?

A careful look at social media commentaries and reactions so far indicates a predominantly celebratory sentiment, particularly among the youths.

Buhari died?

NOTHING BEATS A JET2 HOLIDAY!!
— baby bok choy (@grandpabbychuck) July 13, 2025

I will drink to Buhari's death and I don't even drink.
— Túka (@TukaLetura) July 13, 2025

My reaction when someone told me Muhammadu Buhari has died in London. pic.twitter.com/O6J1mRAk41
— Fisayo Dairo (@FisayoDairo) July 13, 2025

I'm currently at market, and people are jubilating about Buhari death.
— Noorie (@nuradeeeen) July 13, 2025

If this news of Buhari's death came while he was still president, the entire nation would have erupted in jubilation.

End of a failed Era. pic.twitter.com/SCgQav7uo6
— Thomas NOT Sankara (@Isidore0001) July 13, 2025

A president who couldn’t address his people live.

Interviews were nothing short of embarrassing.
Ask him about fiscal policy, and he starts talking about cattle flocks in Kano. 😭💔

Every national address had to be heavily pre-recorded, with cuts and edits just to make it…
— Bléh 🦄💜✨ (@The_Barr_OluT) July 13, 2025

I don’t want to say what’s on my mind, but I feel zero empathy. I’m not even sure what I feel, but it’s not kind. I do not feel joy, so I will not rejoice because I’m angry that this has happened this late. I also do not feel relief.
— Renike (@iamrenike) July 13, 2025

To you, he was a good man.
To me, he was a terrible president. A very terrible one.
We all owe death a debt. When I die, say all you can.
You can hail him on your page while I do mine here. Buhari o ni kuure all the same.
— Lola Okunrin (@lollypeezle) July 13, 2025

There's also an underlying palpable sense of relief being expressed, almost hinting at the former president's demise as a retributive act orchestrated by the divine rather than a natural occurrence of life.

May Muhammadu Buhari’s death give us all hope to see our enemies and tormentors perish while we’re still alive to celebrate.
— Uju Anya (@UjuAnya) July 13, 2025

Guy, my dad served in the Nigerian army for more than 35 years,yet when his beloved wife was sick,he couldn't even get his pension for that month. My mom died, dad couldn't take it and died 7 days later! If you like, let anybody gaslight you say "they don't speak ill of the dead" https://t.co/rgN9NY90Wn pic.twitter.com/hGCzP2wf6v
— Oluwademilade 💙 (@__DeeeCR7) July 13, 2025

At the end of the day, late President Muhammadu Buhari will be largely remembered as that one Nigerian President who had every single ingredient to succeed in office — especially unprecedented public goodwill — but ultimately flattered to deceive, and eventually failed.

A…
— 'Fisayo Soyombo (@fisayosoyombo) July 13, 2025

A constantly ill president who couldn’t build a world-class hospital even if it’s was for himself and his family. A failure of a man

Buhari remains the worst president in our history. May Allah judge him justly.
— Dr Hafsatu Danladi (@NigeriaRenew) July 13, 2025

You people saying “respect the dead” are killing me.

Did Buhari respect the living?? https://t.co/0ZPiUENloR
— Ibi (@thisibi) July 13, 2025

This guy’s policy killed my friend’s mum. We hardly ever speak about it because it was such a NEEDLESS death! You guys don’t understand how EVIL Buhari was.
I wish him exactly the reward for what he did! Inna will not Rajiun anything here o!
Afi ki Ina jo daadaa!
— Kunle Kenny (Stream “When I Call” Everywhere) (@kunle_kenny) July 13, 2025

Nigeria did not lose anything, sir. We Nigerians will never forgive him. His death means nothing us
— desson.eth (@DesmondJameso2) July 13, 2025

Even the public holiday announcement in his honour appears to have triggered delight and a sense of reward as opposed to its intended purpose of nationwide solemn reflection.

For the first time in history, he is useful to Nigerians....
— Eric.Sui 💧🍊,💊 (@zinux17) July 14, 2025

National day of celebration. https://t.co/7oBWueUMgc
— Ayo Sogunro (@ayosogunro) July 14, 2025

God is good! https://t.co/wEMHGR646N
— Munidang (@Zarayuba) July 14, 2025

There is public Holiday tomorrow ohh, thank you Buhari ohh pic.twitter.com/cgzXDhInVZ
— FEYISAYO❤️ (@Feyisparkles) July 14, 2025

Buhari is dead, send a Nigerian woman money to celebrate.🥰
— ima (@perfectwyS) July 13, 2025

It cannot, however, be said that the reactions have completely followed the same pattern as that of the late Gen Sani Abacha.

Upon further observation, eulogies and tributes have also made their way to the public domain in honour of the life and legacy of the late former president.

A man who walked with purpose, led with resolve, and left with honour. From the dusty paths of Daura to the corridors of power, Buhari gave his all to Nigeria. Now he walks no more, but his footsteps will echo through history. Rest well, Baba. pic.twitter.com/TPo8v2yHRV
— AllthingsArewa (@AllthingsArewa) July 13, 2025

Beautiful stories to tell about him.

No human is perfect - we all have our faults.

Buhari achieved a lot as human & would be remembered for greatness.

I pray God gives the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Adieu Baba Buhari.pic.twitter.com/Uu5KB5eR8d
— NaijaFarmer (@Nig_Farmer) July 13, 2025

The passing away of a legend, the former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, May Allah have mercy on his soul, brought me to tears!

He was an upright man, who never missed his prayers and a very disciplined believer who served his people to the best of his ability. His name was… pic.twitter.com/uIPQrg3OOL
— Mufti Menk (@muftimenk) July 13, 2025

INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHIR RAJI’UN

My heart is heavy as I join the people of Nigeria in mourning the passing of our former President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR.

Serving as Minister in his government was an honor — and one guided by the values he lived: discipline, humility, and… pic.twitter.com/YCrRfmVfwg
— Amina J Mohammed (@AminaJMohammed) July 14, 2025

Reactions are still pouring in, but the tide seems to have a familiar ring to it, closely mirroring a past that may not be so recent but is just as monumental, if not even more.

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