I was hospitalised in same UK clinic as Buhari before his death – Abdulsalami

Former Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has revealed that he was undergoing medical treatment at the same London hospital where former President Muhammadu Buhari passed away on Sunday, July 13.

In an interview with Channels Television, Abdulsalami, 83, confirmed he was discharged shortly before Buhari’s death and described his late compatriot as a trustworthy and principled leader.

“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 dated back over six decades, the former military ruler said, “My relationship with Buhari goes as far back as 1962. We joined the military, he was my senior, and during the unfortunate civil war, we were fighting in the same sector.”

He described Buhari as “a gentleman who is very quiet but exceptionally honest,” adding, “You can trust Buhari with anything on this earth and he will not betray you.”

Abdulsalami also praised Buhari’s anti-corruption stance during both his military and civilian tenures, highlighting the late president’s introduction of the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) campaign in the 1980s.

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“When he became a democratic president, again he tried his best to make sure that he fights corruption,” he noted. “Unfortunately, some of the officers who served with him are found wanting. They didn’t do as much as is expected of them. May he rest in peace.”

Describing Buhari’s passing as “a big blow to Nigeria,” Abdulsalami commended President Bola Tinubu for dispatching Vice President Kashim Shettima to London to accompany the late president’s remains back home.

“Our President, Tinubu, has asked the vice president to come so that he can escort the body,” he confirmed.

The former military ruler, who led Nigeria from 1998 to 1999 and oversaw the country’s transition to democracy, said he believed Buhari’s death marked a significant turning point in the nation’s political trajectory.

“With the passing away of President Buhari, politics in Nigeria will certainly change — I hope for the better,” he added.

Buhari, who died following a brief illness at the age of 82, will be buried in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday, July 15.

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