Former Nigerian President Buhari Hospitalised In London.
Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is currently receiving medical treatment in a London hospital, according to multiple sources. The 82-year-old, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023, reportedly travelled to the United Kingdom for a routine medical check-up but subsequently fell ill, leading to his hospitalisation.
Sources close to the former president’s family indicate conflicting accounts regarding the onset of his illness. Some suggest Buhari became unwell while still in Nigeria and was flown to London for urgent care, while others claim his condition deteriorated after arriving in the UK for his scheduled medical examination. Reports indicate that he spent several days in an intensive care unit (ICU) but has since been discharged and is now recuperating in London. The exact nature of his ailment has not been disclosed, though he is expected to return to Nigeria once fully recovered.
Garba Shehu, Buhari’s former media aide, confirmed the news, stating, “It is true that the former president is unwell. He has been receiving treatment in the UK. He became ill there, but I am happy to announce he is doing well in his recovery.” Shehu added that Buhari’s condition is improving, and well-wishers are hopeful for his swift recovery.
During his presidency, Buhari faced criticism for frequently seeking medical treatment abroad, a practice that sparked debates about the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system. His prolonged absence from the country during those periods often drew public scrutiny. Since stepping down in May 2023, Buhari has largely maintained a low profile, retiring to his hometown of Daura in Katsina State. His current extended stay in London has raised questions about his health and potential return to Nigeria.
Buhari’s absence was notably felt at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Lagos on 28 May 2025. In a letter to President Bola Tinubu, he cited his medical commitments in the UK as the reason for his inability to attend. Additionally, a photograph of Buhari with former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa surfaced online in early May, following a private visit in London, further fuelling speculation about his health.
The former president’s medical history includes previous trips to London for treatment during his tenure, notably in 2016 for an ear infection and other undisclosed ailments. These visits often prompted criticism from the Nigerian Medical Association and others who argued that such trips highlighted deficiencies in the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
As Buhari continues his recovery, Nigerians and international observers alike are monitoring the situation, with many expressing hope for his speedy return to good health. His legacy as a leader who navigated Nigeria through significant challenges, including the Boko Haram insurgency, remains a topic of discussion, with supporters and critics reflecting on his contributions to the nation.