Former First Lady Aisha Buhari has revealed that the health crisis which kept her husband, late President Muhammadu Buhari, away from office for 154 days in 2017 began with poor nutrition management and a disrupted feeding routine.
She dismissed claims that the illness resulted from poisoning or a mysterious ailment.
Aisha Buhari’s account appears in a new biography, From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, written by Dr Charles Omole and launched at the State House on Monday.
The 600-page book documents Buhari’s life, from his childhood in Daura, Katsina State, to his final days in a London hospital in July 2025.
Aisha Buhari Managed Buhari’s Nutrition
According to the book, Aisha Buhari closely supervised her husband’s meals and supplements for years. She said the routine helped him remain stable despite long-standing nutrition-related challenges.
“Elderly bodies require gentle, consistent support,” she recalled.
“He doesn’t have a chronic illness. Keep him on schedule.”
She explained that the plan involved specific meal times, cereals, protein intake, oils, and vitamin supplements.
Routine Disrupted at Aso Rock
The former First Lady said the routine collapsed after they moved into Aso Villa. She blamed fear, rumours, and mistrust within the Presidency.
“They said I wanted to kill him,” she said.
According to her, Buhari believed the claims briefly. As a result, he changed his habits, locked his room, and stopped following the feeding schedule.
“For a year, he did not have lunch,” she said. “They mismanaged his meals.”
Health Decline Led to UK Treatment
The disruption worsened Buhari’s condition and led to two prolonged medical trips to the United Kingdom in 2017. During that time, he handed over power to then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
After returning, Buhari admitted he had never been so ill and confirmed receiving blood transfusions.
Omole wrote that Buhari’s absence triggered rumours and conspiracy theories. However, Aisha Buhari insisted that the illness stemmed from the loss of routine, not sabotage.
Recovery and Rejection of Conspiracy Theories
Doctors in London prescribed a stricter supplement plan. At first, Buhari hesitated. Aisha Buhari said she then took control of his care.
“After three days, he threw away the stick he was walking with,” she said.
“After one week, he was receiving visitors.”
She described the recovery as rapid.
The book also dismissed claims that Buhari had a body double, popularly known as “Jibril of Sudan.” Aisha Buhari described the story as absurd and blamed weak communication for allowing conspiracy theories to spread.
