The year 2025 started on a high note for Nigerian politicians, and it was no doubt an eventful year with lots of political discussions, but it was also marked by the tragic deaths of influential figures in politics, which threw the nation into mourning.
While some prominent politician died at the beginning of the year, others joined their ancestors at the end of 2025.
9news Nigeria gathered lists the top seven politicians whose deaths shook the country in 2025.
1. Muhammadu Buhari: The immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, died in London, United Kingdom (UK), on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82.
Buhari, who died after a brief illness in a London hospital, was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, on July 15, 2025.
Several local and international politicians, including presidents and former presidents, attended the late President’s burial ceremony.
Muhammadu Buhari
2. Doyin Okupe: A former Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign, Doyin Okupe, died in Lagos State on March 7, 2025, at the age of 72.
Okupe, an ex-presidential spokesperson to former Presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, died after a prolonged illness and was laid to rest on March 28, 2025, in his hometown, Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Doyin Okupe
3. Chief Edwin Clark: Former Federal Commissioner for Information, Edwin Clark, died on February 17, 2025, at the age of 98 after a brief illness at a private hospital in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Clark reportedly had difficulty breathing in the night on February 16, which prompted him to be moved to the private hospital in Abuja, where he died.
The elder statesman was buried on May 13 in Kiagbodo, Delta State.
Edwin Clark
4. Pa Ayo Adebanjo: A foremost nationalist and leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo died at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State, on February 14, 2025, at the age of 96.
Adebanjo was buried on May 3, 2025, in his hometown, Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
Chief Ayo Adebanjo
5. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo: Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, died on December 11 after slumping while he was working in his office.
The state Governor, Senator Douye Diri, subsequently directed that an autopsy be carried out on Ewhrudjakpo’s body to determine the cause of his death.
Pained by the sudden demise, Diri declared three days of state mourning, directing that all flags be flown at half-mast.
6. Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo: Former senator and ex-governor of Kwara state, Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, passed away on June 25, 2025.
Adebayo, who emerged as governor of Kwara State during the Second Republic, died at the age of 84.
The elder statesman, who served as the Minister of Communications and Transportation during former president Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration from 2003 to 2006, was later buried in his hometown in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.
