Buhari, Abdulsalami, Critically Ill And Hospitalised In London — Report
Two former Nigerian leaders, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and former President Muhammadu Buhari, are reportedly in life-threatening conditions and undergoing treatment for undisclosed illnesses in London, United Kingdom.
A top source from the Presidency told SaharaReporters that both statesmen are “dying and dealing with undisclosed illnesses worsened by old age.”
According to the source, Abdulsalami has been hospitalised in the UK for over five months, while Buhari has been in and out of intensive care units in recent weeks.
The insider revealed that Buhari is battling an intestinal disorder, while Abdulsalami is suffering from age-related complications.
President Bola Tinubu reportedly dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit both ailing former leaders in London and deliver messages of support. Shettima, who had been in Ethiopia for a summit, was said to have diverted to London upon learning about Buhari’s worsening health.
“The Vice President visited Buhari in the hospital, spent hours with him, and even connected him with President Tinubu over the phone,” the source said.
“He also stopped by to visit General Abdulsalami, who is also recuperating in London.”
Buhari’s former media aide, Bashir Ahmad, confirmed that the ex-president is receiving medical attention but refuted claims of him being in critical condition.
“He is stable and responding well to treatment,” Ahmad stated via X, adding that the family is hopeful for a full recovery.
When asked to confirm the visit, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, said Shettima’s London trip was private, and he could not confirm any meeting with the two former leaders.
Buhari’s health has long been a subject of public interest, especially during his presidency, when he made frequent medical trips abroad. One of the longest was a 104-day stay in London in 2017, during which Vice President Yemi Osinbajo acted as president. Buhari’s medical travels, estimated to have cost the nation billions of naira, were heavily criticised by civil society and health professionals, who pointed to his failure to improve Nigeria’s healthcare system despite promising to end medical tourism.
Despite the backlash, Buhari consistently sought medical treatment in the UK throughout his presidency, citing continuity of care and trust in his doctors. The exact nature of his illness was never made public.
Both Abdulsalami and Buhari remain in London as concerns over their health continue to grow.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
