The nation mourns the passing of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on July 13, 2025, at a hospital in London after a prolonged battle with leukemia, a form of blood cancer. Buhari’s health struggles and extended medical treatment abroad had been a subject of public speculation for years, culminating in his final months spent under intensive care in the United Kingdom.
A Prolonged Illness: The Battle with Leukemia
Sources close to the family and medical insiders have confirmed that Buhari’s death was caused by leukemia, a cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow, which had progressively weakened the former president over time. This diagnosis was not publicly disclosed during much of his illness, contributing to widespread rumors and speculation about his health.
Leukemia is a serious condition that requires complex and often prolonged treatment, including chemotherapy and supportive care, which Buhari received during his extended stay in London.
Medical Care in the United Kingdom
Buhari’s health issues first became publicly notable during his presidency, when he made numerous medical trips to the UK. Between 2015 and 2023, Buhari reportedly traveled abroad at least 13 times for medical check-ups and treatment, often citing routine care or minor ailments such as ear infections.
In April 2025, Buhari traveled to London for what was initially described as a routine medical check-up. However, his condition worsened, necessitating an extended stay at a London clinic where he received specialized treatment for leukemia. His prolonged absence from Nigeria during this period raised concerns and speculation within political circles and among the public.
Managing Health Publicly and Privately
Throughout his presidency and after leaving office in 2023, Buhari’s health was a sensitive topic. Official statements often downplayed the severity of his illnesses, emphasizing recovery and resilience. This approach was partly aimed at maintaining political stability and public confidence.
Nevertheless, the opacity surrounding his health fueled conspiracy theories, including the widely circulated but unfounded “Jubril from Sudan” impostor theory, which claimed Buhari had been replaced by a lookalike. Such rumors reflected the deep mistrust some Nigerians held toward political elites and the secrecy enveloping Buhari’s medical status.
Family and Government Response
Following Buhari’s death, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed condolences and directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the UK to accompany the former president’s body back to Nigeria. The government also ordered national flags to be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect.
Buhari’s family, through spokesperson Garba Shehu, announced the passing and requested prayers for the former leader’s soul. The statement read: “May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin”.
Legacy Amidst Health Struggles
Buhari’s final years were marked by frequent medical absences, which sometimes led to concerns about governance continuity and transparency. Despite these challenges, Buhari remained a symbol of resilience to many Nigerians, admired for his military discipline and commitment to fighting corruption.
His death in London, far from home, underscores the ongoing challenges Nigerian leaders face regarding healthcare and the reliance on foreign medical facilities for critical treatment.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria prepares to honor Muhammadu Buhari’s life and legacy, questions remain about how his health battles and prolonged absences affected his presidency and the nation. Buhari’s experience highlights the need for improved healthcare infrastructure in Nigeria and greater transparency in managing public officials’ health.
Further details on funeral arrangements are awaited, with the nation expected to observe a period of mourning befitting a former head of state.
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