Buhari Was Misunderstood! – Garba Shehu Breaks Silence On Ex-President’s Health Choices

Garba Shehu, former media aide to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, has clarified that the former leader’s frequent medical trips abroad were a matter of personal preference and not an indictment of Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Speaking on Inside Sources, a Channels Television programme, Shehu addressed recent remarks by Femi Adesina, another ex-presidential spokesperson, who suggested that Buhari would not have survived without seeking medical care abroad due to the poor state of the local health sector.

Shehu disagreed with Adesina’s claims, asserting that President Buhari remained firmly connected to Nigeria’s healthcare system during his time in office.

“It’s inaccurate to claim he cut himself off from the Nigerian medical system,” Shehu said. “He had a Nigerian personal physician and relied on the State House Clinic, which was managed by a seasoned medical consultant.”

He further emphasized that the president’s local medical team was consistently available and attended to his needs promptly.

While acknowledging Buhari’s regular overseas medical checkups, Shehu explained that these visits were rooted in a long-standing relationship with foreign doctors and not due to a lack of trust in Nigerian professionals.

“His overseas treatments were due to a prior medical arrangement,” Shehu explained. “It wasn’t a sign of disrespect or lack of confidence in Nigerian doctors.”

Highlighting the global impact of Nigerian-trained doctors, Shehu noted their excellence and widespread recognition.

“In many foreign hospitals, especially in the U.S., you’ll often find a Nigerian surgeon or doctor at the helm,” he said.

President Muhammadu Buhari passed away on July 13, 2025, at a London clinic after a prolonged illness. He was buried on July 15 at his private residence in Daura, Katsina State.