A former aide to ex President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, has debunked the reports that the former President is critically ill and fighting for his life in a London hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The former presidential aide described the claims as exaggerated and misleading.
There had been reports on Buhari’s illness, but no one could give details on it.
Ahmad, who served as Special Assistant on Digital Communications to the former President, made the clarification in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, @BashirAhmaad, yesterday amid growing speculation and concern over Buhari’s health.
“In light of the recent media reports suggesting that former President Muhammadu Buhari is critically ill and has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), we find it necessary to set the record straight,” Ahmad wrote.
He explained that though Buhari was unwell and receiving medical care, the situation was far from what some reports have portrayed.
“It is true that former President Buhari is unwell and is currently receiving medical attention. However, contrary to the exaggerated claims circulating in the media, he is stable and responding well to treatment and we are optimistic about his full recovery,” Ahmad wrote.
The clarification followed a flurry of unverified social media posts and online reports claiming that the 81-year-old former Nigerian leader was in a critical health condition and had been rushed to the ICU while abroad.
The claims stirred anxiety among Buhari’s supporters and political associates.
In his post, Ahmad expressed gratitude for the support and prayers the former President received in the period.
“We appreciate the outpouring of prayers and goodwill from his supporters and well-wishers around the world. We continue to pray for his complete and speedy recovery,” he added.
The former President has long maintained a private and low-profile life in Daura, Katsina State as well as in Kaduna, and occasionally travels abroad for routine medical check-ups.