FORMER Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar has revealed that he was admitted to the same hospital in London where ex-President Muhammadu Buhari died, sharing poignant final moments with the late Nigerian leader.
Buhari, Nigeria’s military ruler from 1984 to 1985 and democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 82. His burial is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, in Daura, Katsina State.
In a reflective interview with Channels Television monitored by News Point Nigeria, Abdulsalami described the late president’s death as a “big blow” to Nigeria and the entire West African region.
He added that Buhari’s integrity, patriotism, and quiet strength would remain etched in the nation’s memory.
“Unfortunately, we were in the same hospital together,” Abdulsalami revealed. “But I had been discharged. So, when I heard the news of his passing away, I quickly went there to condole the family and see what could be done to get the corpse ready to be taken home.”
Abdulsalami, who led Nigeria from 1998 to 1999 and oversaw its transition to democracy, shared that his relationship with Buhari began as far back as 1962 when both men joined the Nigerian military.
“He was my senior; and during the unfortunate civil war, we were fighting in the same sector,” he recalled.
The retired general described Buhari as a man of rare moral fibre and dependable loyalty. “You can trust Buhari with anything on this earth, and he will not betray you,” he said.
General Abdulsalami commended Buhari’s lifelong commitment to integrity and discipline, referencing his military-era War Against Indiscipline (WAI) campaign, launched during his first stint as Head of State in the 1980s.
“When he became a democratic president, he tried his best to fight corruption. Unfortunately, some of the officers who served with him are found wanting. They didn’t do as much as was expected of them,” he added.
Despite these shortcomings, Abdulsalami maintained that Buhari remained true to his ideals and governed with sincerity, even amid national challenges.
“Despite his quiet nature, he was strong in character and consistent in principle,” Abdulsalami said, describing Buhari as “a gentleman” who stayed grounded throughout his public life.
According to him, Buhari’s passing signifies more than a personal loss, it represents the end of an era in Nigeria’s political journey.
“With the passing away of Buhari, politics in Nigeria will certainly change, I hope for the better,” he said.
Abdulsalami concluded by paying a heartfelt tribute: “We have lost a patriot who tried to make Nigeria better. His death is not just a loss to his family, but to the entire nation.”