Former President Muhammadu Buhari is currently receiving medical treatment in London, sources familiar with the matter have confirmed to Newsbulletin Nigeria.
Buhari, who concluded his term in office on May 29, 2023, reportedly travelled to the United Kingdom in April for what was initially described as a routine medical check-up. However, multiple sources close to the family revealed that the former leader subsequently took ill and has remained under medical care since then.
“There are conflicting accounts regarding the onset of his illness,” one source disclosed. “Some claim he developed complications in Nigeria and was flown out, while others suggest he became ill after arriving in London for his regular health review.”
Responding to an inquiry, the former president’s longtime spokesperson, Garba Shehu, confirmed the development.
“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 that he is doing well in his recovery while receiving treatment. We pray for his healthy recovery,” Shehu said.
The specific nature of Buhari’s ailment and the medical facility where he is receiving treatment remain undisclosed. Nonetheless, the news has rekindled public interest in the former president’s long-standing medical history abroad — a subject that drew widespread criticism during his tenure.
During his presidency from 2015 to 2023, Buhari was frequently absent from the country for medical reasons, often for extended periods. Key instances include:
February 2016: Embarked on his first official medical trip to London for an undisclosed illness, prompting concerns over Nigeria’s healthcare capacity.
June 2016: Returned to the UK to treat an ear infection, drawing rebuke from the Nigerian Medical Association for bypassing domestic medical professionals.
January 2017: Spent 50 days in London for “routine medical check-ups,” with no public disclosure of his condition.
May 2017: Undertook his longest medical absence, staying 104 days in London, fuelling nationwide anxiety about his capacity to lead.
At the peak of his health challenges, sources reported that a private apartment was secured near the hospital in Central London to facilitate discreet and efficient access.
After retiring to his hometown of Daura in Katsina State in 2023, Buhari was believed to have experienced an improvement in his health. However, according to insiders, his condition deteriorated again in April 2025, necessitating his current overseas medical care.
At 82, Buhari’s prolonged absence from public view has raised fresh concerns about his health and when — or if — he intends to return to Nigeria.
As of press time, the Federal Government has not released any official statement regarding his condition.
