Tinubu Sends Shettima to London to Check on Ailing Buhari

President Bola Tinubu earlier this week dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima to London to visit former President Muhammadu Buhari, following reports that the 81-year-old ex-leader was receiving treatment in a yet-to-be-disclosed hospital in the British capital, THISDAY has reliably gathered.

Shettima was already in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he had attended the official launch of the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) at the invitation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. While in Ethiopia, the Vice President also took the opportunity to engage with the country’s agricultural transformation success.

According to a reliable source, shortly after President Tinubu received word that Buhari had been hospitalized, he, despite preparing for a trip to St. Lucia, immediately directed Shettima to fly to London, check on the former president, and report back to him.

Buhari’s health had recently made headlines, with claims circulating that he had been admitted to an intensive care unit. Responding to these reports, his former Special Assistant on Digital Communications, Bashir Ahmad, confirmed that Buhari was indeed unwell but dismissed rumours of a critical condition.

“In light of the recent media reports suggesting that former President Muhammadu Buhari is critically ill and has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), we find it necessary to set the record straight,” Ahmad wrote on X.

“It is true that former President Buhari is unwell and is currently receiving medical attention. However, contrary to the exaggerated claims circulating in the media, he is stable and responding well to treatment. We are optimistic about his full recovery.”

Ahmad also expressed appreciation for the prayers and goodwill from supporters, assuring the public that Buhari was on the path to recovery.

Tinubu, however, was reportedly not satisfied with second-hand information and wanted direct confirmation of Buhari’s condition. He instructed Shettima to not only deliver his personal message of concern but also to ensure that any required support was provided promptly.

“Shettima flew to London on Sunday night and arrived early Monday,” the source said. “He visited Buhari at the hospital, delivered President Tinubu’s message, and even connected both leaders via phone during the visit. Before returning to Nigeria, he also reportedly stopped by to visit former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who was also in London receiving treatment.”

The visit was kept discreet, raising questions about the reason for its secrecy. When contacted, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, confirmed that Shettima had travelled to London but insisted it was a private trip.

“I do not know where you got your story from. I’m just hearing about General Buhari and General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s visit from you,” Nkwocha said. “Yes, the VP was in London but on a purely private visit and came back to Nigeria the same Monday.”

He added that since it was a private trip, he had no knowledge of the Vice President’s engagements and couldn’t confirm whether Shettima met with any former leaders.

It will be recalled that Buhari’s health was a recurring topic during his presidency, especially his extended medical stays in London—including a well-known 104-day medical trip in 2017.