Former President Muhammadu Buhari
Reports of Buhari’s critical illness exaggerated – Aide
A former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Bashir Ahmad, has debunked the reports that the former President is critically ill and fighting for his life in a London hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The former presidential aide described the claims as exaggerated and misleading.
There had been reports on Buhari’s illness, but no one could give details on it.
Ahmad, who served as Special Assistant on Digital Communications to the former President, made the clarification in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, @BashirAhmaad, yesterday amid growing speculation and concern over Buhari’s health.
“In light of the recent media reports suggesting that former President Muhammadu Buhari is critically ill and has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), we find it necessary to set the record straight,” Ahmad wrote.
He explained that though Buhari was unwell and receiving medical care, the situation was far from what some reports have portrayed.
“It is true that former President Buhari is unwell and is currently receiving medical attention. However, contrary to the exaggerated claims circulating in the media, he is stable and responding well to treatment and we are optimistic about his full recovery,” Ahmad wrote.
The clarification followed a flurry of unverified social media posts and online reports claiming that the 81-year-old former Nigerian leader was in a critical health condition and had been rushed to the ICU while abroad.
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The claims stirred anxiety among Buhari’s supporters and political associates.
In his post, Ahmad expressed gratitude for the support and prayers the former President received in the period.
“We appreciate the outpouring of prayers and goodwill from his supporters and well-wishers around the world. We continue to pray for his complete and speedy recovery,” he added.
The former President has long maintained a private and low-profile life in Daura, Katsina State as well as in Kaduna, and occasionally travels abroad for routine medical check-ups.
Buhari’s health has long been a subject of public debate since his days in office, 2015 – 2023.
In 2017, he spent 104 days in London due to an undisclosed condition, returning only after handing the reins to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
He made subsequent check-up trips in 2018 and 2021, despite criticism over the cost and secrecy.
Also, a former media aide to the former President, Mallam Garba Shehu, confirmed that Buhari was hospitalised in London.
He wrote: “Following your enquiry, I wish to state as follows: It is true that the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, is unwell. He has been receiving treatment in the UK,” Shehu said.
“You would recall he made it known that he was going for his annual medical check-up. He became ill there, but I am happy to announce to you that he is doing well in his recovery while receiving treatment. We pray for his healthy recovery.”
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