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Former presidential spokesperson, Mr. Femi Adesina, has stated that late President Muhammadu Buhari might not have lived as long as he did had he relied solely on the Nigerian healthcare system.
TJ News Nigeria reports that Adesina made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television, where he discussed Buhari’s long-term health struggles and the role foreign medical intervention played in prolonging his life.
“If he had used Nigerian hospitals, he could have long been dead,” Adesina said during the broadcast. “The level of expertise needed to manage his health condition wasn’t available locally.”
Buhari’s Death and Foreign Medical Dependence
President Muhammadu Buhari, who died recently at the age of 82 in a private hospital in London, had long been criticized for seeking medical care abroad throughout his presidency.
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Adesina’s statement has once again brought to light the stark inequalities in Nigeria’s health system, as well as the continued medical tourism by the political elite — a practice many Nigerians view as a sign of government failure to develop local capacity.
Public Outrage Follows Adesina’s Candid Remark
Nigerians on social media platforms have reacted with anger and frustration. Many questioned how a leader who ruled the country for eight years and had full executive authority failed to upgrade the very system he allegedly could not trust for his own health.
Online Reactions Include:
- Criticism of Buhari’s failure to reform Nigeria’s healthcare system despite frequent medical trips abroad.
- Condemnation of political hypocrisy, where leaders invest in foreign hospitals while citizens endure poor services at home.
- Renewed calls for policies that would compel government officials to use local health institutions.
Critics: Adesina’s Statement Is an Indictment
Healthcare experts and policy analysts argue that Adesina’s comment serves as a direct indictment of Buhari’s legacy. Despite billions budgeted annually for the health sector, Nigerian public hospitals remain underfunded, underequipped, and short-staffed.
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Speaking to TJ News Nigeria, a public health advocate in Lagos stated:
“Adesina’s confession simply reinforces what we already know — the health sector in Nigeria is broken, and the government is complicit in its collapse.”
Defenders Cite Complex Medical Needs
Some supporters of the late president have defended his decision to seek foreign care, claiming that his medical condition was complex, and required facilities unavailable within Nigeria.
They argue that while investments in local healthcare are important, certain advanced treatments still require international support, even in more developed countries.
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Buhari’s Medical History and Presidency
Throughout his tenure from 2015 to 2023, President Buhari embarked on multiple medical trips to the United Kingdom, often staying for extended periods without publicly disclosing the nature of his illness. These absences sparked national anxiety and debates on transparency in governance.
Despite public outcry, no significant reforms were introduced to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign hospitals for critical medical procedures.
Healthcare Reform Still Elusive
As of July 2025, Nigeria continues to rank poorly in global health indices. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other international bodies have consistently urged the country to increase funding, training, and infrastructure development in the health sector.
With Adesina’s comments now widely circulated, Nigerians are asking: If a president couldn’t trust his own country’s hospitals, what hope remains for the ordinary citizen?
Related Coverage on TJ News Nigeria:
- 🔗 Buhari’s 12 Bad Economic Policies: Full List and Fallout
- 🔗 FG Declares Public Holiday to Honour Late Buhari Amid Nationwide Outrage
- 🔗 Why Nigerians Are Celebrating Buhari’s Death Instead of Mourning
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