Tinubu Sends VP Shettima to London as Buhari Recovers in Hospital

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima to London to visit former President Muhammadu Buhari, who is currently recovering from an illness in a private hospital. The visit took place on Monday, July 7, 2025, amid swirling reports about Buhari’s health and mounting public speculation.

According to The Cable, the vice president had initially been in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on official duty at the invitation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for the launch of the East African nation’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI). However, following President Tinubu’s directive, Shettima diverted from his schedule and flew directly to London on Sunday night, arriving the following morning to visit Buhari.

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Shettima’s Visit: A Mission of Assurance

The nature of Vice President Shettima’s London trip remained under wraps until sources close to the presidency disclosed that he had been specifically instructed by President Tinubu to ascertain the true state of the former leader’s health and offer him full moral and logistical support.

“The president was concerned about the speculation surrounding Buhari’s health. He wanted someone he trusted to verify the situation firsthand and ensure that the former president receives all the care he needs,” a source familiar with the matter explained.

Although no official statement was released by the Presidency regarding the visit, Shettima’s media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, confirmed the vice president’s trip to London but declined to comment on its purpose. “Yes, he was in London, but I am not aware of the details of his visit. I am not privy to his itinerary,” Nkwocha stated.

Bashir Ahmad Denies ICU Rumors

The development comes just days after Bashir Ahmad, former media aide to Muhammadu Buhari, dismissed widespread claims that the ex-president was critically ill and admitted to an intensive care unit. In a public statement on social media, Ahmad clarified that while Buhari was unwell, he was in stable condition and recovering steadily.

“President Buhari is not in any ICU as some reports suggest. He is receiving care and is on the path to full recovery,” Ahmad said, describing the alarmist tone of the rumors as exaggerated and harmful.

Ahmad’s statement aimed to quell growing public anxiety following unconfirmed reports about Buhari’s health condition, which circulated widely on social media and in some online publications. His clarification provided some reassurance but did not completely silence speculation.

A Gesture of Political Brotherhood

Tinubu’s decision to send Shettima highlights the continued bond between Nigeria’s current and former presidents. Having played a critical role in Buhari’s emergence as president in 2015, Tinubu has always maintained a close relationship with his predecessor. This gesture reaffirms not just political solidarity but also personal goodwill.

Political analysts have noted that this visit may also serve to reinforce unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC), especially at a time when internal fissures and power realignments are beginning to take shape ahead of the 2027 elections. By showing respect and care for Buhari, Tinubu strengthens his statesmanlike image while assuring party loyalists of his commitment to legacy and continuity.

Public Concern and Transparency

Despite reassurances from Buhari’s aides and sources close to the presidency, many Nigerians remain eager for a more detailed update on the former president’s health. The public’s interest in Buhari’s wellbeing stems not only from his status as a former head of state but also from the secrecy that often shrouds the health of Nigerian leaders.

Critics have called on the government to improve transparency on such issues, arguing that a more open approach would prevent misinformation and reduce public panic. However, supporters argue that private health matters should remain confidential unless they affect the public interest.

Awaiting Official Confirmation

As of now, there has been no official photo release or public statement from Vice President Shettima or Muhammadu Buhari regarding the outcome of the London visit. Nevertheless, sources indicate that the meeting between the two leaders was cordial and that Buhari expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s concern.

While the exact nature of Buhari’s illness remains undisclosed, those close to the former president insist that he is responding well to treatment and is expected to return to Nigeria in good health soon.

Until then, the visit by Shettima serves as both a gesture of goodwill and a message of political reassurance—that the bonds forged at the highest level of Nigerian leadership remain strong, even beyond office.