When a Leader Dies Without Mourning: Buhari’s Death and the Legacy Nigerians Remember
A presidency remembered not for peace, but for pain, protest, and the blood of its youths.
The news of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari’s death spread quickly across social media platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok. But the reactions weren’t what you might expect when a nation loses a former head of state. Instead of widespread mourning, many Nigerians responded with indifference. Others, openly, with a sense of cold relief. It’s not the typical national reaction to a leader’s passing, but it speaks volumes.
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A President Remembered, But Not Revered
During Buhari’s tenure, Nigeria witnessed significant turmoil, especially under the guise of "order" and "discipline." The most painful and haunting memory for many young Nigerians is October 20, 2020, the night peaceful protesters at Lekki Toll Gate were allegedly gunned down by security forces. The #EndSARS movement, which had started as a call to end police brutality and the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), turned into a watershed moment in the country’s history. 
Among the names we must never forget:
- Oke Obi-Enadhuze – a tech enthusiast and designer, killed in his home just hours after tweeting "Nigeria will not end me."
- Anthony Onome – stabbed during the protest and later died from injuries.
- Tina Ezekwe – a 16 year old shot by the police in Lagos.
- And countless unnamed others, some who died in the chaos, some who disappeared without trace.
The pain of these losses was compounded by what many saw as a government that didn’t care about its people led by Buhari.
Social Media Reacts: “No Tears Left for Him”
On X, reactions were sharp and unfiltered:
“I don’t celebrate death, but I also won’t fake grief for a man who never grieved with us.” - @ade_kunle
“The same man who denied the massacre at Lekki Toll Gate now rests in peace? Must be nice.” - @bimbo_xo
“History will not be kind to Buhari. Neither will we.” - @oluwa_shay
“Not a single tear from me. He didn’t shed one for the victims at Lekki.” - @softboikay
“Rest in peace? Did the souls of those at the toll gate ever rest?” - @amaka_unfiltered
“A president dies and all I can think about is how many of my friends had to flee this country during his rule.” - @zayn_abduls
“Buhari is gone, but so are many dreams that died under his regime.” - @naijagyalxo
Even those who tried to keep things neutral were met with replies reminding them of the pain many Nigerians still carry.
“Let’s not pretend we forgot. We didn’t. We’re just exhausted.” - @thelagosmind
This wasn’t just digital noise. It was generational trauma talking, expressed through memes, threads, posts, and videos. For many, this was NOT a time for forgiveness or rewriting history. It was a chance to be heard, again.
Instagram wasn't much different, stories filled with black screens, not in mourning, but in silent protest. Memes circulated, old clips of Buhari’s televised speeches were re-edited as dark humor, and young Nigerians didn’t shy away from expressing how deeply disconnected they felt from his legacy. It wasn’t hatred, it was hurt.
The Legacy He Left
Instead of being remembered for economic reform or anti-corruption victories (which were often questioned), Buhari’s name is now tightly bound with:
- Silenced voices
- Bloodshed
- Gaslighted protests
- A failing economy
- A country divided between the ruling elite and the struggling youths
For many Nigerians, especially Gen Z and millennials, Buhari wasn’t just a president, they saw him as a symbol of everything that was wrong with the leadership culture in the country: detachment, silence in the face of tragedy, and failure to protect the most vulnerable.
Why It Matters That People Don’t Mourn
When a former leader dies and the public reaction is collective indifference, it forces a hard question: What did he really leave behind for his people?
In Buhari’s case, the absence of mourning isn’t about disrespect, it’s about JUSTICE NEVER being served, and wounds NEVER being acknowledged. It’s a cry that still echoes from the Lekki Toll Gate to every Nigerian home that lost a child to police violence.
In The End
In Nigeria, our memories run deep. Leaders are remembered not by titles, but by impact. For many, Buhari’s impact was felt most in the silence after gunshots, the gaslighting after truth, and the endless wait for accountability.
He may be gone, but the voices that were silenced during his regime will not be forgotten.
“The dead cannot cry out for justice; it is the duty of the living to do so for them.” - Lois McMaster Bujold
