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Full Details: Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari Dies of Blood Cancer at 82
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday evening announced that Buhari died at about 4:30 p.m. in London, United Kingdom, following a prolonged illness.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu has since spoken with the former First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, to express his condolences over the loss.
In response to the development, the President directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the UK immediately to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.
As a mark of respect for the late former President, President Tinubu has also ordered all national flags to be flown at half-mast.
Meanwhile, sources privy to Buhari’s health condition told SaharaReporters that the former President died of leukaemia – a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are produced.
“Buhari died of leukaemia,” one of the sources said.
Muhammadu Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985, returned to power in a democratic capacity after winning the presidential elections in 2015 and securing re-election in 2019.
Further details regarding funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in due course.
Earlier on Sunday, the former President’s aide, Garba Shehu, announced the passing of his principal, saying the former leader died in London, UK.
“The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London,” he said.
“May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin.”
Shehu previously confirmed that the ex-Nigerian leader was ill and receiving treatment in the United Kingdom.
On Saturday, it was reported that Buhari and a former Nigerian Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, were still hospitalised and in life-threatening, critical conditions in London.
The media learnt further from a Presidency source that the two former leaders “are dying and dealing with undisclosed illnesses” also worsened by their old age.
“The former Head of State, Abdulsalami, has been hospitalised in the UK for over five months now,” the source said.
“On the other hand, Buhari has been in and out of the Intensive Care Unit of UK hospitals in recent week,” he added.
The media on Friday reported that President Bola Tinubu recently dispatched Vice President Shettima, to visit the ailing leaders and seek to support their treatments.
Buhari, who led Africa’s most populous country from 2015 to 2023 as a democratic leader, had been in the UK for months.
Buhari expressed regret over his inability to attend the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held in Lagos on May 28.
In a statement, he explained that medical assessments in the UK required his attention.
“Regrettably,… I am currently in the United Kingdom undergoing routine medical check-ups and therefore unable to attend this historic event,” Buhari stated then.
Buhari’s Foreign Medical Trips As President
During his eight-year tenure as Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari became widely known for his frequent foreign medical trips, particularly to the United Kingdom. These trips, often shrouded in secrecy, sparked national debate and criticism, especially given Buhari’s earlier campaign promises to end medical tourism and improve Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Buhari’s first known medical trip occurred in February 2016, less than a year into his presidency. Officially described as a short vacation, it was later revealed that he had also sought medical attention during his stay in London.
Just a few months later, in June 2016, he returned to the UK for treatment of an ear infection. This trip drew criticism from the Nigerian Medical Association, which pointed out that Nigeria had qualified specialists capable of handling such a condition.
The most significant and controversial of Buhari’s medical absences began in January 2017, when he left Nigeria for what was described as a “medical vacation.” He remained in London for 50 days, returning in March.
Barely two months later, in May 2017, he departed again for further treatment and stayed abroad for an unprecedented 104 days.
The nature of his illness was never officially disclosed, fueling speculation and concern about the president’s capacity to govern. During this period, then-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo served as acting president.
In 2018, Buhari made another brief medical trip to London in May, reportedly for a follow-up consultation. After a relatively quiet period, he resumed his medical visits in 2021, travelling to the UK in March for a routine check-up.
This trip coincided with a strike by Nigerian doctors, highlighting the irony of the president seeking care abroad while the domestic healthcare system was in crisis. He returned to London again in June and July of that year for further treatment.
In 2022, Buhari made at least two more medical trips to the UK, one in March and another in October. These visits were described as routine medical check-ups.
His final known medical trip as president occurred in May 2023, shortly after attending the coronation of King Charles III. He reportedly extended his stay in London to undergo a dental procedure.
In total, Buhari is believed to have spent over 230 days abroad for medical reasons during his presidency.
The financial cost of these trips, particularly the operation and maintenance of the presidential jet, was estimated by some media outlets to range between ₦1.1 billion and ₦5.4 billion.
These figures do not include the cost of medical care, accommodation, or the accompanying delegation.
The president’s reliance on foreign healthcare drew sharp criticism from civil society groups, medical professionals, and political opponents. Many viewed it as a betrayal of his campaign promises and a stark symbol of the government’s neglect of Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.
Dr. Osahon Enabulele, then president of the World Medical Association, described the situation as a “national shame,” while opposition figures like human rights activist Omoyele Sowore lambasted Buhari for failing to build a single world-class hospital in Nigeria throughout his tenure.
Despite the backlash, Buhari remained largely unapologetic about his medical travels, often citing the need for continuity in treatment and the importance of trust in his long-time UK-based doctors.
His administration offered little transparency about the specifics of his health, reinforcing a culture of secrecy around the medical conditions of Nigerian leaders.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is moving to give Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, a clearly defined role in his 2027 presidential re-election campaign, with the former Rivers State governor expected to coordinate campaign activities in Rivers and the FCT.
The emerging arrangement, reported by THISDAY on Monday, is designed to harness Wike’s political network in the two territories without formally placing him within the hierarchy of the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite his prominent support for Tinubu’s re-election.
Wike remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and has repeatedly stated that he has no intention of joining the APC to support Tinubu’s second-term bid.
The reported arrangement comes amid growing tensions between Wike and some APC governors over the structure and control of political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike to Coordinate Rivers, FCT
Wike has consistently maintained that he does not need to belong to the APC or occupy the position of Director-General of Tinubu’s campaign council before supporting the President’s re-election.
Instead, the FCT minister has publicly declared that his objective is to deliver Rivers State and the FCT for Tinubu in 2027.
During a media interaction in Port Harcourt earlier this month, Wike described himself as the “General Commander of the Political Infantry” in Rivers and the FCT.
“You do not need to be governor before you can be in charge. I am the General Commander of the Political Infantry; therefore, I am in charge. So also in FCT. I owe the President to give these two,” Wike said.
The proposed campaign arrangement would give a formal framework to the political responsibility Wike has already publicly claimed in the two territories.
The reported move comes after Tinubu constituted the APC Presidential Campaign Council in August, with former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari appointed Director-General.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma was named secretary, while Tinubu serves as chairman. Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda were named vice-chairmen.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni were also assigned deputy director-general roles.
However, the emerging campaign structure is not expected to operate strictly through a single chain of command. According to the report, Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau are expected to operate with distinct responsibilities rather than directly reporting to Yari.
The arrangement is reportedly intended to accommodate the different political blocs and influential figures expected to play roles in Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
Why Wike’s Role Is Different
Wike presents an unusual political situation for the Tinubu campaign.
Although he remains a PDP member, he has become one of the President’s most prominent political allies outside the APC.
His relationship with Tinubu became particularly significant during the 2023 presidential election, when Wike and four other PDP governors known as the G5 refused to support the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Wike subsequently supported Tinubu while remaining in the PDP.
After the election, Tinubu appointed him Minister of the FCT, making him one of the most prominent opposition-party politicians serving in the APC-led Federal Government.
Since then, Wike has repeatedly defended the Tinubu administration and declared his support for the President’s 2027 re-election bid.
The reported campaign arrangement comes against the backdrop of disagreements between Wike and APC governors over his proposed Rainbow Coalition.
Wike has described the coalition as a cross-party platform designed to mobilise support for Tinubu’s presidential re-election.
Thisday
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, has felicitated the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on the occasion of her 66th birthday today, September 21, 2026.
Akpabio in a statement which he personally signed, described the First Lady as “a remarkable woman,” saying: “Your Excellency, your life reflects faith, service, sacrifice and quiet strength. From the classroom to public office, the Senate and the position of First Lady, you have demonstrated that leadership is measured by its impact on people’s lives.
“Through your compassion for the vulnerable, advocacy for women and children, and the interventions of the Renewed Hope Initiative, you continue to advance the hope of a better Nigeria.”
The Senate President also celebrated the First Lady as “a devoted wife, mother and grandmother whose grace and strength have supported His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and inspired many.”
Akpabio, on behalf of the Senate, the National Assembly and his family, wished the First Lady “abundant health, enduring happiness, divine favour and many more years of purposeful service.”
He concluded by saying: “Happy 66th Birthday, Your Excellency.
“May God continue to strengthen and preserve you, making your life an even greater blessing to your family, our nation and humanity.”
Nigerians can now obtain affidavits from the Federal High Court without travelling to any court premises, thanks to the court’s Electronic Court Management System (ECMS) e-Affidavit Portal.
The fully digital platform allows applicants to register, complete forms, upload documents, make payment and download a verified affidavit from anywhere with an internet connection.
The portal was set up to deliver a secure and efficient process for affidavit applications and related court services. It operates under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023.
The process, obtained from the Federal High Court’s e-Affidavit Portal on Sunday, shows that applicants can access a range of affidavits covering name changes, correction of dates of birth, loss of documents, change of signature, next of kin, marriage, banking and other purposes.
The portal also provides applicants with a means of tracking their applications and downloading completed affidavits after payment and approval.
Here is how to apply:
1. Create an account
Applicants are required to register on the Federal High Court’s Electronic Court Management System portal at https://portal.fhc.gov.ng/.
During registration, users are asked to provide their full name, phone number, date of birth, email address and a password.
The name entered should be the name that the applicant wants to appear on the affidavit.
After registration, the applicant should log in to the portal and select the affidavit module.
2. Complete your profile
Before starting a new affidavit application, applicants are required to complete their affidavit profile.
The portal requests information including the applicant’s native town, residential address, occupation, NIN, country of origin, state of origin, gender, religion and date of birth.
Applicants are also required to upload a passport photograph and an identity card.
The Federal High Court advises applicants to ensure that all information supplied is accurate before saving the profile.
3. Choose the type of affidavit
After completing the profile, applicants can access the list of available affidavit services.
The portal offers several categories, including:
Name change: Affidavit of Change of Name, Correction of Name and Harmonisation of Name(s)
Date of birth: Statutory Declaration of Age, Declaration of Age for a Minor and Correction of Date of Birth.
Loss and incidents: Loss of Items, Burglary, Theft, Robbery, Damage, Missing Person and other related affidavits.
Identity and personal matters: Good Conduct, Next of Kin, Guardianship, Verification of Address and State of Origin.
Marriage: Bachelorhood, Marriage Declaration, Spinsterhood and Non-impediment.
Banking: Change of Bank Phone Number, Non-Indebtedness and Single Account Ownership.
General purpose: Authorisation, Transfer of Ownership, Claim of Ownership, Sponsorship, Affidavit of Means and others.
Institutional affidavits: Good Conduct and Non-Membership of Secret Cult/Terrorist/Militant Group, Hostel Accommodation and other applications.
There are also options for affidavits relating to academic documents, political office candidacy and other institutional purposes.
4. Fill out the application
After selecting an affidavit, the applicant is taken to the relevant application form.
Depending on the affidavit selected, the form may require the applicant to provide personal details, the purpose of the affidavit and information specific to the application.
For example, an application for correction of date of birth requires the applicant to state the reason for the correction, the wrong date of birth and the correct date of birth.
Applicants are also required to provide their email address and phone number and select a preferred Federal High Court.
The available court options include Federal High Court divisions in different states and Abuja.
5. Upload the required documents
The portal requires applicants to provide a recent passport photograph, a valid means of identification and a signature, which can be uploaded or drawn.
Accepted identification documents include a National Identification Number, international passport, driver’s licence or voter’s card.
The portal states that uploaded passport photographs, identification cards and signatures must meet its specifications, with each file limited to 300KB in the application form reviewed.
6. Preview the application
After entering the required information, applicants should click the preview option to review their application.
The preview displays the information supplied, including the applicant’s name, identification details, affidavit information, contact details and selected court.
Applicants should carefully check the information at this stage before submitting the application because the portal states that payments are final, non-refundable and non-transferable.
7. Agree to the terms and submit
After checking the information, the applicant must agree to the portal’s terms and conditions and consent to the processing of personal data in accordance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act.
The application can then be submitted.
8. Pay the required fee
The portal then directs applicants to make payment electronically.
The payment options include Paystack and Remita.
The application reviewed for this report displayed a fee of N1,797 for the selected affidavit.
Applicants should, however, confirm the amount displayed for their particular application before making payment, as fees may vary by service or change over time.
The portal warns that payments are final, non-refundable and non-transferable.
9. Download the affidavit
After payment and processing, the completed affidavit can be downloaded through the portal, while a copy is also sent to the applicant’s email address.
The Federal High Court says affidavits issued through the portal are protected with unique barcodes and reference numbers that can be used for verification.
Applicants are warned that falsifying, altering or misusing an affidavit constitutes a criminal offence and may attract legal consequences.
Important things applicants should know
The portal says applicants whose applications are queried for additional information or documents must respond within 72 hours.
Failure to make the required payment or respond to a query within the stipulated period can result in automatic deletion of the application without a refund or further notice, after which the applicant would have to start a new application and make a fresh payment.
The portal also says applicants’ personal information, including NIN, passport photographs, signatures and contact details, is collected for affidavit applications, verification and other lawful purposes.
The Federal High Court’s e-Affidavit Portal is available through its Electronic Court Management System. Federal High Court e-Affidavit Portal.
2027: Tinubu Moves to Give Wike Rivers, FCT Campaign Control Amid APC Governors’ Clash
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