Update: Jubilation in the North as Viral Video Captures Celebrations over Ex-President Buhari's Passing [VIDEO]

 

A recent viral video has stirred intense debate across social media, allegedly showing groups of Northern Nigerians celebrating the reported death of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The footage, which surfaced online shortly after news broke about Buhari’s passing in a London medical facility, captures scenes of dancing, laughter, and chanting, with several individuals visibly overjoyed.

Reports confirm that the late president passed away on Sunday during treatment at a private clinic in the United Kingdom. His death marks the end of a long chapter in Nigerian political history. While his presidency remains a topic of heated discourse, the recent public response highlights just how deeply divided opinions about his legacy remain.

Eyewitnesses say the video, now making the rounds on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok, was taken in several Northern towns. Crowds are seen on major roads, with drums and music playing in the background, while some youths are captured throwing powders into the air and distributing refreshments in what appeared to be an impromptu street celebration.

The display has shocked many Nigerians, especially given that Buhari hailed from the northern region himself. For years, he maintained a strong political base in the North and was often seen as a symbol of Northern leadership in Nigerian politics. Yet, the celebratory tone captured in the video hints at a different, more complex reality beneath the surface.

Political analysts have described the video as both a reflection of Nigeria’s polarised climate and a sign of unresolved frustrations stemming from Buhari’s years in office. His two-term administration was marred by growing insecurity, economic challenges, and accusations of nepotism. Although he initially swept into power on the back of anti-corruption promises and strong military credentials, many argue that Buhari failed to deliver on key reforms, especially in his final years.

Some residents interviewed after the video's circulation offered mixed interpretations of the event. A youth leader in Kano, who asked not to be named, acknowledged that many in his community were disappointed in Buhari’s leadership. “People felt neglected. They expected more. Some families are still dealing with the effects of banditry and poor governance,” he said. “The video you saw, it’s not personal hatred. It’s a reaction to failed expectations.”

Others have criticized the celebrations as distasteful, calling for a more respectful tone in acknowledging the death of a national figure. Human rights activist Halima Mohammed said that while people have a right to express their views, dancing in the streets over someone’s death sets a dangerous precedent. “We should remember our humanity, even in political disagreements,” she added.

Meanwhile, reactions from the South and other regions have shown a broader spectrum of responses. While some expressed sorrow and offered prayers for the late president’s family, others took to social media to voice criticism of his tenure, citing economic downturns, high unemployment, and persistent corruption as part of his enduring legacy.

Buhari, a former military head of state, returned to power as a democratically elected president in 2015, defeating Goodluck Jonathan in what was hailed as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s political evolution. His victory was built on a promise to eradicate corruption, tackle insurgency, and rebuild the economy. However, critics argue that insecurity worsened during his presidency, with escalating violence from bandits, Boko Haram insurgents, and separatist movements disrupting national peace.

On the international stage, Buhari was known for his stoic demeanor and firm stance on sovereignty. While he maintained strong relationships with regional leaders and international partners, many observers felt his foreign policy was often reactive rather than strategic. Domestically, his administration’s handling of fuel subsidies, monetary policy, and civil unrest drew sharp criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups alike.

As news of his death continues to ripple through the country, many Nigerians are reflecting on the contradictions of his leadership. The video from the North, while jarring to some, may symbolize a moment of public reckoning.

Whether viewed as an act of disrespect or a symptom of long-held grievances, the reactions to Buhari’s passing will likely continue to provoke conversations around governance, leadership, and the emotional weight of national disappointment. While the nation prepares for official state protocols to honor his legacy, the voices from the street may be impossible to ignore.

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