Buhari feels unwell after arriving in the UK for medicals

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is in the United Kingdom [UK] for his medicals.

The former president is reportedly receiving treatment in London.

But, the report did not say whether he was an inpatient or outpatient.

Although he left office in May 2023, he has been out of the country since April this year.

Sources close to his family were quoted in a report by GWG to have said he initially travelled to the United Kingdom for a regular health check.

“However, shortly after arriving, he reportedly became unwell,” the report said.

“There are conflicting reports about when exactly he became unwell,” one source was quoted to have said.

The report said: “Some say he fell ill in Nigeria and was flown out. Others insist he only took ill after arriving in London for regular medical checks.”

His longtime spokesperson, Garba Shehu, confirmed that “Buhari is being treated abroad.”

“Following your enquiry, I wish to state as follows: It is true that the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, is unwell. He has been receiving treatment in the UK.

“You would recall he made it known that he was going for his annual medical check-up. He became ill there, but I am happy to announce to you that he is doing well in his recovery while receiving treatment. We pray for his healthy recovery,” Shehu said.

As of now, no one has didclosed the exact illness Buhari is being treated for, and the name of the hospital has also not been made public.

This development has started fresh discussions about Buhari’s long history of seeking medical help overseas, especially during his time in office.

While president from 2015 to 2023, he travelled many times to London for health reasons, which raised concerns and criticism.

His first known trip was in early 2016 for an illness that was not disclosed. Later that same year, he returned to London to treat an ear infection.

This move sparked criticism from Nigerian doctors who questioned why foreign hospitals were being used.

In January 2017, Buhari spent 50 days in London for what was called routine health checks.

A few months later, in May, he went back and stayed for 104 days—the longest time he spent abroad for medical reasons while in office. This caused major concern about his health and ability to perform his duties.

At one point, it was even reported that an apartment was arranged for him near the hospital in London so he could have easier and more private access to treatment.

Sources said his health seemed to improve after he left office, but things changed again around April this year. Since then, he has remained in the UK for treatment.

Now 82 years old, Buhari had retired to his hometown, Daura, in Katsina State.

But with his continued stay abroad, new questions are being asked about how serious his condition is and when—or if—he will return to Nigeria.

So far, there has been no statement from the Nigerian government about his situation. [With GWG report]