What Buhari did when he heard rumors that I planned to kill him – Aisha

Former First Lady Aisha Buhari has disclosed that her late husband, former President Muhammadu Buhari, locked himself inside his room after believing rumors within Aso Rock that she planned to kill him.

The revelation was contained in a new biography titled From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, written by Dr Charles Omole and launched at the State House on Monday, December 16, 2025.

The book follows Buhari’s life journey from his early years in Daura, Katsina State, to his final days in a London hospital in mid-July 2025.

According to the account, Aisha Buhari said gossip and fear inside the Presidential Villa created tension that affected her husband’s daily life.

She stated that for about a week, Buhari believed the rumours, became cautious, changed his habits, and started locking his room.

During this period, his meals were delayed or missed, and the supplements he depended on were stopped.

She explained that this disruption marked the beginning of the health crisis that later forced Buhari to take long medical leave in 2017.

She maintained that the illness was not caused by poisoning or any hidden disease but by the breakdown of a feeding and nutrition routine she had managed for years.

The book stated that Aisha Buhari had always supervised her husband’s meals and supplements at fixed times, even before he became president.

She described Buhari as someone with a long history of nutrition-related weakness who depended on a strict routine to stay strong.

After moving into Aso Villa, she reportedly met with close aides, including security and medical officials, to explain the importance of the plan.

However, the routine gradually collapsed. Aisha Buhari said that for nearly a year, her husband stopped eating lunch and his meals were poorly managed.

His condition worsened and led to two extended medical trips to the United Kingdom in 2017, lasting a total of 154 days. During his absence, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo handled presidential duties.

After returning to Nigeria, Buhari admitted that he had never been that ill before and confirmed receiving blood transfusions.

The book said that his prolonged absence led to widespread rumours and speculation across the country.

Aisha Buhari rejected claims that there were attempts to poison her husband, insisting that the real cause of the crisis was the loss of his nutrition routine.

In London, doctors placed Buhari on a stronger supplement plan.

At first, he was afraid and reluctant to take them, but she took charge of his care and ensured he received the prescribed supplements through his meals.

She described the recovery as rapid, saying that within days Buhari no longer needed support to walk and soon began receiving visitors.

The book stated that this marked both the beginning and the end of the illness.

Dr Omole also addressed criticism over Buhari’s repeated medical treatment abroad, saying that an elderly man in his seventies may require specialised care not easily available in Nigeria due to years of weak investment in healthcare.

He added that Buhari’s habit of formally handing over power during absences showed respect for due process.

The book further described an atmosphere of mistrust around the Presidency. Aisha Buhari alleged that the President’s office was monitored and private conversations replayed, adding that fear within the system affected his wellbeing. She also dismissed claims that Buhari had a body double, describing the story as false and blaming poor communication for allowing such rumors to grow.