Former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has revealed that he was admitted to the same London hospital as late President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 after a brief illness.
In an exclusive interview with Channels Television, Abubakar, 83, disclosed that he was discharged shortly before Buhari’s death was announced.
“Unfortunately, we were in the hospital together, but I have been discharged,” he said. “When I heard the news of his passing away, I quickly went there to condole with the family and see what can be done in order to get the corpse ready to be taken home.”
Reflecting on their long-standing relationship that dates back to 1962, Abubakar described Buhari as a “quiet but exceptionally honest” man, recalling their time together in the military, including fighting in the same sector during the Nigerian Civil War.
“Gen. Buhari is a gentleman. You can trust Buhari with anything on this earth and he will not betray you,” he said.
He praised Buhari’s integrity and efforts to combat corruption, citing his War Against Indiscipline (WAI) initiative as a military ruler and his anti-corruption agenda as a democratic president.
“When he became a democratic president, again he tried his best to fight corruption. Unfortunately, some of the officers who served with him fell short of expectations. May he rest in peace,” Abubakar said.
He added that Buhari’s death marks a major turning point in Nigeria’s political landscape. “With the passing away of President Buhari, politics in Nigeria will certainly change. I hope for the better.”
President Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead the delegation escorting Buhari’s remains to his hometown.
Buhari will be laid to rest on Tuesday, July 15, in Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Abubakar, who served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1998 to 1999, is widely remembered for overseeing the country’s return to democratic rule after the death of General Sani Abacha.
Comments