Our reporter
Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has been hospitalised in the United Kingdom after reportedly falling ill during what was initially described as a routine medical trip.
The 82-year-old ex-leader, who has been living quietly in his native Daura, Katsina State since leaving office in May 2023, was said to have suffered a sudden health complication shortly after arriving in London in April. His long-time media aide, Garba Shehu, confirmed the development to the Newsmen, disclosing that Buhari is “responding well to treatment” but declining to reveal further details about the illness or the hospital involved.
The incident has reopened old wounds in the national discourse, with many Nigerians recalling Buhari’s history of seeking medical treatment abroad throughout his presidency. Most notably, he spent 104 days in London in 2017 battling an undisclosed illness—a prolonged absence that raised fears about leadership stability and brought renewed attention to the country’s fragile healthcare system.
Although Buhari had reportedly enjoyed relative wellness since retiring from active politics, his latest health scare has generated widespread public concern and criticism, particularly given the lack of communication from current government officials. The Tinubu administration has yet to issue an official statement, a silence that many Nigerians find disconcerting.
“The lack of transparency is deeply troubling,” said Dr. Amina Yusuf, a public health advocate based in Abuja. “Beyond the former president’s personal health, this situation reflects the systemic failure to build confidence in our own medical institutions.”
On social media and in public forums, citizens have expressed frustration at what they see as a persistent betrayal of trust by political elites who, despite years in power, continue to rely on foreign hospitals for their medical needs.
“It’s shameful,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter). “If Buhari, who ruled for eight years, still can’t get treatment in Nigeria, what hope is there for the ordinary man?”
Get a premium automobile insurance coverage for your vehicle for as low as #15000 only and claim up to #3,000,000 in damages @Zenith Insurance To signup: WhatsApp/Call: +2349028313757
