Garba Mohammed
Vice President Kashim Shettima’s visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in London was to assess the former leader’s health condition and determine what medical support he may require, according to sources within the Presidency.
A senior official who spoke to newsmen on condition of anonymity said the visit was carried out on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, following concerns over Buhari’s well-being. The source confirmed that while there was initial apprehension about the former president’s health, “he is recovering fast.”
The Presidency dismissed reports suggesting Buhari is critically ill, calling such claims exaggerated. “There is nothing unusual about the trip. Anybody can be sick. What matters is that the President took a proactive response,” the source said.
The clarification supports a social media post by Bashir Ahmad, former aide to Buhari, who dismissed rumours of a critical condition. Ahmad had earlier posted photos of Buhari with Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, and offered prayers for the former president’s recovery. “I wish H.E. former President Muhammadu Buhari @MBuhari a good, strong and speedy recovery. You are in my thoughts and prayers,” he wrote.
The visit comes amid renewed public attention to Buhari’s health, recalling his previous extended medical stays in London during his first term in office. By August 2021, Buhari had reportedly spent over 200 days receiving medical care abroad.
Buhari’s overseas medical visits reduced significantly during his second term, following a period of improved health. His current condition, according to officials, is not considered life-threatening.
Efforts to get official confirmation from the Vice President’s office were unsuccessful as of press time.