Two former Nigerian heads of state reportedly critically ill in London

According to a report by SaharaReporters on Saturday, former Nigerian leaders, retired General Abdulsalami Abubakar and ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, are currently in London, United Kingdom for medical treatment and are said to be in serious condition.

An insider from the presidency revealed to the online newspaper that both individuals are dealing with serious, unspecified health issues, further complicated by their advancing age.

"The source revealed that Abdusalami, the former Head of State, has been hospitalized in the UK for more than five months."

"Conversely, Buhari has recently been frequently admitted to and discharged from the Intensive Care Unit of UK hospitals," the source noted.

The newspaper previously reported that President Bola Tinubu dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima to London to visit the two ailing statesmen and explore options for supporting their treatment.

While official information about their medical conditions is limited, a source disclosed that Buhari is dealing with a significant intestinal disorder and Abdulsalami is facing complications related to aging.

Shettima initially traveled to Ethiopia for the launch of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's Green Legacy Initiative and to engage in discussions about agricultural collaboration. However, upon being informed about Buhari’s worsening health condition, President Tinubu is said to have redirected the Vice President to make a stop in London.

According to the insider, Shettima was intended to convey the President's goodwill message and evaluate the situation of the former leaders.

Although reports indicated Buhari was in intensive care, Bashir Ahmad, one of his former aides, downplayed the seriousness of these claims.

Ahmad shared an update on X (previously known as Twitter): “Amid recent media reports claiming that former President Muhammadu Buhari is critically ill in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), we feel compelled to clarify the situation. Former President Buhari is indeed unwell and receiving medical care, but contrary to sensationalized media claims, he remains stable and is responding positively to treatment. We are hopeful for his full recovery. “We appreciate the overwhelming support, prayers, and well-wishes from supporters worldwide. Our prayers remain with him for a quick return to good health.”