Vice President Kashim Shettima recently visited the United Kingdom, where he made a private visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari, who is presently receiving medical treatment in a London hospital.
A report by Daily Trust indicates that Buhari was initially placed in intensive care but has since stabilized and is reportedly making consistent progress in his recovery.
According to a trustworthy source with knowledge of the situation, Shettima traveled to London on Sunday night before last and visited the former president on Monday morning. During this trip, he also met with former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
When asked for a comment regarding the visit and its undisclosed nature, Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), confirmed that Shettima did travel to London but highlighted that it was a private trip.
Nkwocha stated, "The Vice President did indeed travel to London; however, it was an entirely private visit.
Earlier in the week, reports surfaced indicating that Buhari's health had deteriorated, sparking speculation about the seriousness of his condition. Initial efforts to contact Buhari’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu, for clarification were unsuccessful.
By early Tuesday, however, Shehu replied to a message with a concise update.
He stated that, according to the information he has, Buhari is currently in recovery mode.
Vice President Shettima's visit seems to be the first significant confirmation that the former president is recovering after his recent health scare.
During his presidency from 2015 to 2023, Buhari often traveled overseas for medical reasons. Notably, he spent more than 100 days in London in 2017 for an undisclosed illness. Additional trips occurred in both 2018 and 2021, prompting ongoing public scrutiny regarding his health status.
After further inquiries, Garba Shehu, the former media aide to Buhari, verified that the ex-leader had indeed been hospitalized in the UK.
In response to your inquiry, I must confirm the following: Former President Muhammadu Buhari is indeed unwell and has been undergoing treatment in the UK," stated Shehu.
You may remember that he mentioned going for his annual medical check-up. While there, he unfortunately fell ill; however, I'm pleased to inform you that he's recovering well as he receives treatment. We continue to pray for his full recovery and good health.
At the same time, Bashir Ahmad, a former aide who held the position of Special Assistant on Digital Communications, refuted claims that Buhari was in critical condition or had been admitted to the ICU.
"Considering the recent media reports indicating that former President Muhammadu Buhari is in critical condition and has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), we feel it essential to clarify the situation," Ahmad shared on his verified X account.
He explained that although Buhari is undergoing treatment, the circumstances are not as critical as implied.
"Ahmad wrote, 'While it is true that former President Buhari is unwell and undergoing medical treatment, the media has exaggerated his condition. In reality, he remains stable and is responding positively to treatment. We are hopeful for his full recovery.'"
"We are grateful for the overwhelming prayers and goodwill from his supporters and well-wishers worldwide. We remain hopeful for his swift and full recovery," he added.
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