Ex Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd.) reveals he was hospitalised in same London clinic as Buhari before former president’s demise. This revelation has added an emotional and personal dimension to the narrative surrounding the passing of Buhari, underscoring the fragile health of many elder statesmen and highlighting the bonds they share even in their final moments.
In an interview with Channels Television on Monday, as monitored by SaharaReporters, Abdulsalami disclosed that he had only recently been discharged from the hospital when he received the news of Buhari’s passing. He described the experience as deeply saddening and stated that despite their health challenges, there was mutual respect and camaraderie between the two leaders during their stay at the medical facility.
He said …
“Unfortunately, we were in the same hospital together, but I have been discharged. So when I heard the news of his passing away, I quickly went there to condole with the family and see what could be done in order to get the corpse ready to be taken home.” Abdulsalami further explained that his immediate response was driven by both friendship and duty, emphasizing the importance of supporting Buhari's family during such a difficult period.
SaharaReporters had earlier exclusively revealed that both former Nigerian leaders were in critical condition in the United Kingdom, receiving treatment for serious but undisclosed health issues aggravated by age. The report highlighted the alarming trend of top Nigerian officials depending on foreign medical facilities due to the country's struggling healthcare system, which has often been criticized for being underfunded and poorly equipped.
A credible source within the presidency confirmed that Abdulsalami was undergoing care for complications associated with aging. The source mentioned that despite his health struggles, Abdulsalami remained strong in spirit and demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout his treatment.
Abdulsalami, known for his role in transitioning Nigeria to democratic rule in 1999, remains a respected elder statesman and is often called upon for mediation and advisory roles during national crises. His presence in London at the same time as Buhari has drawn significant public interest, with many Nigerians expressing deep concern for the health of their leaders and calling for urgent improvements in the nation’s healthcare sector to reduce the need for medical tourism.
Following his discharge, Abdulsalami’s visit to Buhari’s family was not only to offer condolences but also to assist in coordinating the dignified repatriation of Buhari’s remains to Nigeria. He expressed his hope that the late president’s legacy would inspire future leaders to focus on strengthening local healthcare and supporting initiatives that improve the welfare of all Nigerians.