Abdulsalami Abubakar: I Was Hospitalised with Buhari Before His Death

Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has disclosed that he was admitted to the same London hospital as the late President Muhammadu Buhari shortly before the former president’s death.

President Buhari passed away on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 82, following a prolonged illness. Abubakar, 83, confirmed in an interview with Channels Television that he was discharged shortly before Buhari’s passing.

“Unfortunately, we were in the hospital together, but I have been discharged,” Abubakar said. “When I heard the news of his passing, I quickly went there to condole with the family and see what could be done to prepare the corpse for transportation back home.”

Reflecting on their decades-long relationship, Abubakar recounted, “My relationship with Buhari goes as far back as 1962. We joined the military—he was my senior. During the unfortunate civil war, we fought in the same sector. Gen. Buhari was a gentleman—very quiet, but exceptionally honest. You could trust Buhari with anything, and he would never betray you.”

He praised Buhari’s anti-corruption legacy, particularly his tenure as military Head of State, during which he launched the War Against Indiscipline (WAI).

“When he became a democratic president, again he tried his best to fight corruption,” Abubakar said. “Unfortunately, some of those who served under him did not live up to expectations. May he rest in peace.”

Abubakar described Buhari’s death as a major national loss and acknowledged the swift response of President Bola Tinubu.

“Our President, Tinubu, has asked the Vice President to come and accompany the body back home,” he said.

Speaking on the broader implications of Buhari’s death, Abubakar remarked, “With his passing, politics in Nigeria will certainly change—I hope for the better.”

Abubakar served as Nigeria’s military head of state from 1998 to 1999 following the sudden death of General Sani Abacha. He oversaw the country’s transition from military to civilian rule.

President Muhammadu Buhari will be laid to rest on Tuesday, July 15, in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.