Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has passed away, as confirmed by two of his longtime associates former aide Bashir Ahmad and spokesman Garba Shehu.
According to a brief statement released by Shehu, “The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin.”
Throughout his time in office from 2015 to 2023, Buhari frequently sought medical attention abroad, with London serving as a recurrent destination. His administration was marked by a series of medical leaves and extended stays in the UK, where he was hospitalized multiple times.
Notable medical trips during his presidency include:
- February 2016: Six-day medical vacation in the UK.
- June 2016: Treatment for an ear infection, causing cancellation of a Lagos visit.
- 2017: Months-long medical stay in London, which fueled public concern and speculation about his health.
- Jan–Mar 2018: A 50-day medical leave during which he reportedly received a blood transfusion.
- May–Aug 2018: His longest recorded medical trip, lasting 104 days.
- Additional trips followed through 2019, including several private visits ranging from 10 to 16 days each.
One particularly controversial chapter of his presidency was the emergence of a conspiracy theory between 2017 and 2018. The rumor, widely circulated on social media, alleged that Buhari had died during one of his medical visits and had been secretly replaced by a Sudanese impostor—claims that were repeatedly denied by government officials.
His passing marks the end of a chapter in Nigerian political history, and tributes are expected to pour in from within and beyond the nation.
