Nigerian human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has reacted strongly to the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, stating emphatically that he will not mourn the late leader.
In a post shared on his verified Instagram page, Sowore, a vocal critic of Buhari’s leadership style, described the former president as a “tyrant” who, in his view, left a legacy of atrocities and human rights abuses during his time in office.
“Muhammadu Buhari slaughtered hundreds of Shiites—men, women, and even children.
He ordered soldiers of the Nigerian Army to open fire on peaceful #EndSARS protesters waving the Nigerian flag,” Sowore alleged.
He went on to accuse Buhari of several controversial actions during his military and civilian rule, including:
-
The disappearance of activist Dadiyata
-
Military crackdowns on members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)
-
Disobedience to court orders
-
Arbitrary jailing of critics
-
Economic mismanagement and authoritarian governance
“And now, because he’s dead, some people with selective memory want us to mourn or worship him? Shameful,” Sowore wrote.
He concluded with a pointed statement:
“NO, we do not mourn tyrants. We remember their victims.
@muhammadubuhari had no soul.”
Background
Former President Muhammadu Buhari passed away in London on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 82, following a prolonged illness. His death has drawn mixed reactions across Nigeria and the diaspora, with tributes from allies and condemnation from critics.
Sowore’s reaction underscores the deep divisions in public sentiment surrounding Buhari’s legacy, especially on issues of civil rights, military force against civilians, and freedom of expression during his administration.
