by 🇳🇬 Abdulsalami Abubakar: “We Were in the Same Hospital When Buhari Passed”
Former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.) has revealed that he and the late President Muhammadu Buhari were both admitted to the same hospital in London shortly before Buhari’s death.
In an interview with Channels Television, Abdulsalami said he had just been discharged when news broke of Buhari’s passing on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 82.
“Unfortunately, we were in the same hospital together. But I had just been discharged. So when I heard of his passing, I went to condole the family and assist with arrangements to bring him home,” he shared.
👥 A Brotherhood That Spanned 60 Years
Reflecting on their bond, Abdulsalami recalled how their connection stretched back over six decades, dating to their days in the Nigerian military during the civil war.
“He was my senior. During the war, we fought in the same sector. Buhari was a quiet, honest gentleman. You could trust him with anything, and he would never betray you,” he said.
🛡️ “He Fought Corruption, But Some Failed Him”
Abdulsalami praised Buhari’s personal integrity and his efforts to fight corruption during his democratic presidency.
However, he acknowledged that not everyone around Buhari upheld the same values:
“He tried his best to fight corruption. Sadly, some of those who served under him didn’t meet expectations.”
🇳🇬 A National and Regional Loss
According to Abdulsalami, Buhari’s death is not only a major loss to Nigeria but also to the broader West African region, given his influence in the subcontinent.
🕊️ Tinubu’s Swift Action Praised
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for dispatching Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to coordinate the repatriation of Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.
“It shows how deeply this has affected the country. Buhari’s death will shift the political atmosphere—hopefully, in a better direction.”
📝 Written by Olugbenga Ige
Olugbenga is a veteran journalist with a nose for compelling stories and over nine years of reporting experience.
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