Shettima visits Buhari in London hospital amid serious health concern

Vice President Kashim Shettima recently travelled to the United Kingdom, where he paid a private visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari, who is currently undergoing medical treatment in a London hospital.

According to a report by Daily Trust, it was gathered that Buhari was initially admitted to intensive care but has since stabilized and is reportedly making steady progress in his recovery.

According to a reliable source familiar with the situation, Shettima flew to London penultimate Sunday night and checked up on the former president the Monday morning. During the same trip, the Vice President also stopped by to see former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.

When contacted for comment on the visit and its lack of public disclosure, Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), confirmed Shettima’s travel to London but emphasized its private nature.

“The Vice President did actually travel to London, but that it was a totally private visit,” Nkwocha said.

Earlier in the week, reports had emerged suggesting Buhari’s health had taken a turn for the worse, triggering speculation about the severity of his condition. Repeated attempts to reach Buhari’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu, for clarification initially proved unsuccessful.

However, by early Tuesday, Shehu responded to a message with a brief update.

“The information available to me is that he (Buhari) is in a recovery mode,” he said.

The visit by Vice President Shettima appears to be the first major confirmation that the former president is recuperating after his recent health scare.

During his presidency between 2015 and 2023, Buhari frequently travelled abroad for medical reasons, most notably spending over 100 days in London in 2017 for an undisclosed illness. Similar trips followed in 2018 and 2021, fueling continued public scrutiny over his health status.

Following renewed inquiries, Buhari’s former media aide, Garba Shehu, confirmed that the former leader was indeed hospitalized in the UK.

“Following your inquiry, 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.”

Meanwhile, Bashir Ahmad, a former aide who served as Special Assistant on Digital Communications, dismissed reports that Buhari was in critical condition or admitted to the ICU.

“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 posted on his verified X account.

He clarified that while Buhari is receiving treatment, the situation is not as dire as suggested.

“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.

“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.