Former President Muhammadu Buhari has reportedly been sick and only recently discharged from an intensive care unit (ICU) in a United Kingdom (UK) hospital.
He is 82 years old and headed Nigeria as both military (1983-1985) and civilian leader (2015-2023).
According to Empowered Newswire, a close relative of the former president said he took ill in London during a medical check-up trip.
The report said Buhari was admitted to the ICU and was discharged last week.
Though the nature of his ailment was not disclosed, the former president is reportedly recuperating in London and is expected back in Nigeria once fully recovered.
Citing informed sources, Empowered Newswire added that Mamman Daura, Buhari’s uncle and confidant, is also currently convalescing in the UK.
Buhari was conspicuously absent from the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Lagos on May 28.
In a letter to President Bola Tinubu, Buhari told his successor that his inability to attend the event was due to a medical check-up in the UK.
Clarifying the situation, his Digital Media Assistant, Bashir Ahmad, refuted widespread media reports suggesting that the former Nigerian leader was critically ill and had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.
In a statement released on Thursday, Ahmad wrote: “In light of the recent media reports suggesting that former President Muhammadu Buhari is critically ill and has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), we find it necessary to set the record straight.
“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.
“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. Thank you!”
