Former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, has revealed that late President Muhammadu Buhari died from pneumonia, firmly dismissing widespread rumours that he was poisoned or fell victim to any form of sabotage.
In her newly released book, From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, Aisha Buhari described claims of air-conditioning tampering, secret plots, or poisoning as unfounded distractions from the former president’s actual health condition. She stated that medical experts who attended to Buhari clearly informed the family that pneumonia was the cause of his death.
According to her, while various media reports speculated at the time that Buhari suffered from prolonged illness or diseases such as leukaemia, the family relied solely on the diagnosis provided by his doctors.
Aisha Buhari also revisited the former president’s prolonged medical stay abroad in 2017, explaining that his condition was largely due to fatigue, advancing age, a demanding workload, and poor rest and dietary routines. She noted that his health improved significantly once his schedule was restructured and proper nutrition and rest were prioritised.
Reflecting on her role during Buhari’s administration, the former First Lady clarified that she was not involved in official government duties such as signing documents or awarding contracts. Instead, she said her focus was on oversight and advocacy.
She also recounted her support for the removal of former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Lawal Daura, in 2018, following the blockade of the National Assembly; an action she described as unconstitutional.
Since leaving office, Aisha Buhari said she has stepped away from politics to focus on her family and humanitarian efforts. She disclosed that her foundation has established a cardiovascular and medical centre in Kano, where over 200 medical procedures have been carried out.
The former First Lady also ruled out the possibility of remarriage, citing issues of trust, responsibility, and the pressures associated with public life as key factors behind her decision.
