Aisha Buhari’s Revelations on Her Husband’s Health Crisis
In a striking narrative, Aisha Buhari, the former First Lady of Nigeria, has opened up about the tumultuous period surrounding her husband, the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s health crisis. Her revelations, detailed in a new biography titled From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, authored by Dr. Charles Omole, shed light on the personal and political turmoil that unfolded in Aso Rock.
The Gossip and Its Impact
Aisha Buhari recounts a troubling episode where rumors circulated within the corridors of power, suggesting that she had intentions to harm her husband. This gossip led to a significant shift in President Buhari’s behavior; he began locking his room and altering his daily habits. “My husband believed them for a week or so,” she stated, highlighting how the unfounded fears affected their lives. The atmosphere of suspicion not only strained their relationship but also had dire consequences for Buhari’s health.
The Health Crisis Unveiled
The biography reveals that the health issues that necessitated Buhari’s 154 days of medical leave in 2017 were not the result of a mysterious ailment or a conspiracy to poison him, as many speculated. Instead, Aisha attributes the onset of his health crisis to a breakdown in his carefully managed nutrition and feeding routine. “It started with the loss of a routine; ‘my nutrition,’” she explained, emphasizing the importance of the regimen she had maintained before their move to Aso Villa.
Nutritional Management
Aisha had long been responsible for overseeing her husband’s meals and supplements, a regimen that was crucial for his well-being. She described how she tailored his diet with specific vitamin powders and oils, ensuring he received the necessary nutrients to support his health. However, as the presidency’s machinery began to encroach on their private lives, this routine frayed. “Daily, cups and bowls with tailored vitamin powders and oils, a touch of protein here, a change to cereals there,” she recalled, emphasizing the meticulous care she had taken.
The Deterioration of Health
As the gossip intensified, the mismanagement of Buhari’s meals became evident. “For a year, he did not have lunch. They mismanaged his meals,” Aisha lamented. This neglect culminated in his extended medical trips to the UK, where he ultimately admitted to being “never so ill” and requiring blood transfusions. The prolonged absence from Nigeria fueled rampant speculation and conspiracy theories about his health.
Debunking Conspiracy Theories
Aisha Buhari took a firm stance against the rumors of poisoning and the infamous “Jibril of Sudan” conspiracy, which suggested that a body double was being used in place of her husband. She argued that these theories stemmed from poor communication and a lack of transparency within the government, allowing simple developments to spiral into unfounded conspiracies.
A Turnaround in Health
Upon his return from the UK, Buhari was prescribed a more rigorous regimen of supplements. Initially hesitant, he was eventually persuaded by Aisha, who took charge of his care by discreetly incorporating the prescribed supplements into his meals. “After just three days, he threw away the stick he was walking with. After a week, he was receiving relatives,” she noted, illustrating the swift turnaround in his health.
The Climate of Mistrust
The biography also paints a picture of a presidency fraught with mistrust. Aisha alleged that the President’s office was bugged, leading to a pervasive atmosphere of fear. She suggested that this environment contributed to the deterioration of Buhari’s health, as the stress of surveillance and suspicion took its toll.
The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari
Dr. Omole’s biography spans 22 chapters, chronicling Buhari’s life from his early days in Daura, Katsina State, to his final moments in a London hospital in July 2025. It offers a comprehensive look at the complexities of his presidency, including the challenges posed by health issues and the impact of personal relationships on governance.
Aisha Buhari’s insights provide a unique perspective on the intersection of personal and political life in Nigeria, revealing the profound effects that gossip, mistrust, and health management can have on leadership.
