Former First Lady Aisha Buhari has given details of how the illness that led to the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari began, saying it was linked to disrupted feeding routines and poor nutrition management, not poisoning or a mysterious disease.
Her account appears in a new 600 page biography titled “From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari,” written by Dr Charles Omole.
The book was launched at the State House on Monday.
The biography traces Buhari’s life from his childhood in Daura, Katsina State, to his final days in a London hospital in mid July 2025.
According to the book, Mrs Buhari had for years overseen her husband’s meals and supplements, maintaining a strict routine to support his health despite signs of malnutrition.
She is quoted as saying elderly bodies require “gentle, consistent support,” adding that regular feeding and supplements were key to his wellbeing.
She explained that the demands of the Presidency eventually disrupted this routine.
Meals were delayed or missed, supplements were stopped and Buhari’s health declined.
This led to two prolonged medical trips to the United Kingdom in 2017, lasting a total of 154 days.
During that period, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo took charge of government affairs.
Aisha Buhari also addressed rumours that she intended to harm her husband, claims the book says Buhari believed briefly.
She said the gossip affected his behaviour, causing him to isolate himself, change his habits and skip meals.
While in London, doctors reportedly placed Buhari on a stronger supplement plan. With his wife’s involvement, his condition improved rapidly.
“After just three days, he discarded the stick he was walking with. After a week, he was receiving relatives,” the book states.
Dr Omole notes in the biography that Buhari’s frequent treatment in the United Kingdom exposed weaknesses in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Mrs Buhari also dismisses long standing conspiracy theories, including claims of poisoning and the use of a body double.
Muhammadu Buhari died on July 13 at the age of 82.
He was buried on July 15 in Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites.
He served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023 and earlier as military head of state from January 1984 to August 1985.
