Former President Muhammadu Buhari has spent days in the hospital after falling ill in London, United Kingdom, according to multiple reports.
The former president, who left office on 29 May 2023 after serving two terms, has been abroad since April.
According to Premium Times, close to his family, Buhari initially traveled to the United Kingdom for what was described as a routine medical check-up, but subsequently fell ill.
There appears to be some uncertainty about exactly when Buhari became unwell.
Premium Times quoted a source saying: “There are conflicting reports about when exactly he became unwell. Some say he fell ill in Nigeria and was flown out. Others insist he only took ill after arriving in London for regular medical checks.”
Last month, Buhari expressed regret over his inability to attend the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held in Lagos on May 28. In a statement, he explained that medical assessments in the UK required his attention.
“Regrettably,… I am currently in the United Kingdom, undergoing routine medical check-ups and therefore unable to attend this historic event,” Buhari had stated then.
Meanwhile, a former Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, has said that the former president is doing well in his recovery while receiving treatment in the United Kingdom.
He stated this on Wednesday while reacting to a question that sought to confirm whether the former president was unwell.
“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.
“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,” Shehu reacted.
Throughout his time in office from 2015 to 2023, Buhari regularly sought medical care in London, which angered many Nigerians who questioned why their president couldn’t receive treatment at home. The trips also sparked debates about the poor state of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
