Buhari “would’ve died long ago” if he relied on Nigerian hospitals — ex‑spokesman Femi Adesina

During a private conversation reported by The Cable earlier this year, Femi Adesina, former Special Adviser on Media & Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, made a striking defense of the ex-president’s habit of seeking medical treatment abroad, suggesting that mitigating reliance on UK healthcare could have led to far graver outcomes at home.

Adesina stated that Buhari experienced moments of disorientation during illness, highlighting why he frequently opted for overseas clinics over domestic facilities, hinting that the quality and expertise available abroad were critical to ensuring his survival and well-being.

In explaining why Buhari never used the Aso Rock medical center or Nigerian clinics even while in office, Adesina pointed to the need for continuity and familiarity with the president’s long-term medical team—many based abroad—though he dismissed critics who accused the administration of neglecting local healthcare infrastructure.