Former President Muhammadu Buhari is reportedly ill and receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in London, United Kingdom.
According to multiple family sources, what was planned to be a routine medical check-up ballooned into a full-scale admission after the former president took ill.
Although the nature of the sickness and the name of the hospital where he is undergoing treatment are still being kept under wraps by family members, Buhari’s longtime spokesperson, Garba Shehu, confirmed the development, but assured Nigerians that the former president is responding well to treatment.
“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.
“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,” he told Premium Times.
A former Special Assistant on Digital Communications to the ex-President, Bashir Ahmad, on Thursday, also confirmed the development but stated the former Nigerian leader’s health status was exaggerated and not on admission at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as being speculated in some quarters.
“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 on X.
He also thanked supporters for their prayers.
“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.
Recall that the former military Head of State has a long history of prolonged medical check-ups overseas during his two-term reign between 2015 and 2023, with London as his chosen destination.
His first medical trip was to London in February 2016 for an undisclosed ailment. In June 2016, he treated an ear infection and spent 50 days in London for another routine medical check-up in January 2017.
In May 2017, Buhari spent 104 days in London for another medical treatment, raising concerns about his ability to govern the country given his health conditions.
