2 ex-Nigerian heads of state reportedly in critical health condition in London

Former Nigerian heads of state, retired General Abdulsalami Abubakar and ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, are currently undergoing medical treatment in London, United Kingdom, and are reportedly in serious condition, SaharaReporters reported Saturday.

A presidency insider confirmed to the online newspaper that both men are battling serious but undisclosed health challenges, compounded by their advancing age.

“The former Head of State, Abdusalami, has been hospitalised in the UK for over five months now,” the source disclosed.

“On the other hand, Buhari has been in and out of the Intensive Care Unit of UK hospitals in recent weeks,” the source added.

The newspaper had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu had sent Vice President Kashim Shettima to London to check on the two ailing statesmen and explore ways to support their treatment.

Though official details regarding their medical conditions remain scarce, the source revealed that Buhari is struggling with a serious intestinal disorder, while Abdulsalami is coping with age-related complications.

Shettima was initially in Ethiopia for the launch of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Green Legacy Initiative and discussions around agricultural collaboration. However, once President Tinubu was informed of Buhari’s deteriorating health, he reportedly redirected the Vice President to make a stop in London.

The intention, according to the insider, was for Shettima to deliver the President’s message of goodwill and assess the condition of the former leaders.

Despite reports suggesting Buhari was in intensive care, one of his former aides, Bashir Ahmad, dismissed the severity of those claims.

Ahmad posted on X (formerly Twitter):“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.“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.“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.”

The source said Vice President Shettima landed in London early Monday and spent several hours with Buhari at the hospital. He also reportedly connected Buhari with Tinubu over the phone during the visit.

“Shettima flew to London on Sunday night, arriving in the early hours of Monday. He visited the former President in the hospital and spent hours with him after delivering President Tinubu’s message of concern and wishes for a quick recovery.“As a matter of fact, I think the Vice President connected both the President and his predecessor on a call before leaving the ailing former President. I am told he also visited former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, who at the time was also in London recuperating,” the source said.

Despite the Vice President’s visit, official channels have remained silent about the trip. When asked for confirmation, Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), said he was aware Shettima had travelled but could not confirm any visits to the former leaders.

“I do not know where you got your story from. I am just hearing about General Buhari and General Abdulsalam Abubakar’s visit from you. Anyway, yes, the VP was in London but on a purely private visit and came back to Nigeria the same Monday,” Nkwocha said.“And since it was a private visit which I was not privy to, his engagements or lack thereof would remain in the realm of speculation, and hence the publicising or not of such a visit cannot come up.”

Buhari’s health has long been a subject of public scrutiny, especially during his time in office. His frequent medical trips abroad, particularly to the UK, often drew criticism and sparked debates about the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the transparency of its leaders.

His first notable medical trip came in February 2016, under the guise of a vacation. He returned in June that same year for treatment of an ear infection—a move that prompted criticism from the Nigerian Medical Association, which noted the presence of capable local specialists.

In 2017, Buhari left for a prolonged medical stay in the UK, remaining abroad for 50 days beginning in January, and again departing in May for an extended 104-day absence. The government never disclosed the nature of his illness, leading to widespread speculation. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo acted as president during those periods.

The pattern continued in subsequent years. Buhari traveled to London for medical consultations in 2018, 2021, and throughout 2022. His last documented medical trip as president occurred in May 2023, shortly after attending King Charles III’s coronation. He reportedly extended his stay to undergo a dental procedure.

Across his presidency, Buhari is believed to have spent over 230 days abroad for medical purposes. The cumulative cost of these trips, including travel and logistics for the presidential fleet, was estimated by media outlets to fall between ₦1.1 billion and ₦5.4 billion, excluding medical and accommodation expenses.

His reliance on foreign healthcare stood in stark contrast to his campaign promises to end medical tourism and revamp the Nigerian healthcare system. Civil society groups and opposition figures were vocal in their criticism.

Dr. Osahon Enabulele, who served as president of the World Medical Association, once labeled the situation a “national shame.” Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore also lambasted Buhari for failing to establish even a single world-class hospital in Nigeria during his eight years in power.

Despite the backlash, Buhari defended his choices, citing the need for continuity in care and long-standing relationships with UK-based doctors. His administration provided little detail about his medical conditions, perpetuating a long-standing culture of secrecy around the health of Nigerian leaders.