Late Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari was reportedly divorced from his wife, Aisha, before his death.
Renowned United States-based scholar and public affairs commentator, Professor Farooq Kperogi, made the startling disclosure in a recent article, asserting that Buhari and Aisha were no longer married before the former leader passed away.
Buhari divorced his first wife, Safinatu Yusuf, First Lady in his first coming as a Military Head of State in 1983 to 1985.
They were married from 1977 until he divorced her in 1988.
He married Aisha the following year in 1989.
“What I do know is that before Buhari’s death, he and Aisha were no longer married. They had divorced, and Aisha reverted to her maiden name, Aisha Halilu,” Kperogi wrote.
He further questioned the credibility of Aisha’s public appeal for forgiveness on Buhari’s behalf, given their alleged estrangement before his passing.
“If you paid close attention, you would notice that Aisha didn’t go to Daura when he retired there, upon leaving office. Buhari was also alone when he later relocated to Kaduna,” Kperogi noted.
“In fact, when he fell ill and it was suggested that Aisha travel to London to care for him, she reportedly hesitated because she was no longer his wife. She eventually went in the last few days before he died, but only after intense persuasion,” he added.
According to Kperogi, Aisha’s absence during much of Buhari’s post-presidency life and her limited involvement in his final days support the reports of their separation. He also pointed out that during the mourning period after Buhari’s burial, most dignitaries were received by his children , particularly his son and daughters rather than Aisha herself.
Amid the swirling controversy, a resurfaced quote attributed to Aisha before Buhari’s burial has become central to the debate. In it, she claimed that the late President repeatedly asked her to seek forgiveness from Nigerians for any wrongs committed during his time in office.
“Ever since he left office, he often told me that if he passed away before me, I should kindly ask Nigerians to forgive him for any wrongs he might have committed during his time in power,” she was quoted as saying. “He always reminded me that he was only human, capable of both good and mistakes. That’s why I’m here today, begging all Nigerians to please forgive him before he is finally laid to rest.”
It is also recalled that during Buhari’s presidency, Aisha reportedly spent extended periods in Dubai, further fueling speculation about strain within the family.
