Fresh speculations suggesting that former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is battling for his life in a London Intensive Care Unit (ICU) have been firmly denied by close associates of the ex-leader, who insist that while he is unwell, the reports making rounds are wildly overstated.
Bashir Ahmad, who served as Special Assistant on Digital Communications during Buhari’s administration, dismissed the viral claims as “misleading and exaggerated,” noting that the former president remains in stable condition and is responding positively to medical care.
“In view of the media buzz alleging that former President Muhammadu Buhari is critically ill and confined to the ICU, it’s important to clear the air,” Ahmad wrote via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, @BashirAhmaad, on Wednesday.
He acknowledged that Buhari is currently receiving medical attention abroad, but stressed that the situation has been blown out of proportion by unverified online reports and social media chatter.
“It’s true that Baba is undergoing treatment,” Ahmad stated. “But let’s not sensationalize it, he’s stable, improving, and far from being on life support. The family and those close to him are optimistic about his full recovery.”
The rumor mill had gone into overdrive in recent days, with some online outlets claiming that the 81-year-old statesman had been rushed into intensive care in the UK. The reports sparked panic among his loyalists and ignited a wave of online speculation.
Amid the frenzy, another former presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, also confirmed that Buhari was indeed receiving treatment in the UK, adding a note of reassurance. “Yes, he’s unwell and has been admitted. But this was during a routine check-up which became necessary to follow up on. He’s improving steadily,” Shehu said in a message to journalists.
This is not the first time Buhari’s health has drawn public concern. His medical trips, particularly during his time in office from 2015 to 2023, often sparked national debates. In 2017, he famously spent over three months—104 days—in the UK for undisclosed health issues, temporarily handing over power to then-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. He made additional follow-up visits in subsequent years.
Since leaving office, the former president has maintained a discreet lifestyle, splitting his time between Daura in Katsina State and Kaduna, and making occasional overseas trips for medical evaluations.
In their statements, both Ahmad and Shehu expressed gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and goodwill messages being sent from across the country and beyond.
“We remain thankful for the prayers and concern being shown,” Ahmad added. “We ask for continued patience and support as he makes his recovery.”
While Buhari’s team has urged calm, the recent episode once again highlights the growing influence, and potential chaos, of unchecked social media narratives on issues of national interest.
