Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has disclosed that he and former President Muhammadu Buhari were admitted to the same hospital in London shortly before Buhari’s death.

In an interview aired on Monday by Channels Television, Abdulsalami said he had only just been discharged from the hospital when he was informed of Buhari’s passing. Buhari died on Sunday at the age of 82, following an extended period of illness.

“Unfortunately, we were in the same hospital together,” Abdulsalami stated. “But I have 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 in order to get the corpse ready to be taken home.”

Abdulsalami traced their relationship back to their time in the military, noting that they served in the same sector during Nigeria’s civil war. He referred to Buhari as his senior in the military and described him as someone who maintained a quiet and reserved demeanor.

He characterised Buhari as dependable, saying, “He was a gentleman who was very quiet and exceptionally honest. You can trust Buhari with anything on this earth and he will not betray you.”

Addressing Buhari’s time in office as a civilian president, Abdulsalami said he believed Buhari made efforts to tackle corruption. However, he observed that not all members of Buhari’s administration lived up to that commitment.

“When he became a democratic president, he tried his best to fight corruption,” he said. “Unfortunately, some of the officers who served with him are found wanting. They didn’t do as much as was expected from them.”

Abdulsalami also commented on the wider implications of Buhari’s death, noting that the impact would be felt not only in Nigeria but also across West Africa.

He praised President Bola Tinubu for taking quick steps to facilitate the return of Buhari’s remains, specifically mentioning the dispatch of Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to London for that purpose.

“That shows the magnitude of what has befallen Nigeria,” Abdulsalami said, adding, “With the passing away of Buhari, politics in Nigeria will certainly change — I hope for the better.”