Former presidential spokesperson Femi Adesina has stated that his former principal, Muhammadu Buhari, could have faced dire consequences had he chosen to rely on Nigerian hospitals for his medical needs.

During a television interview on the occasion of Buhari’s funeral on Tuesday, Adesina addressed criticisms regarding the late president’s treatment in a London hospital, explaining that Buhari had consistently sought medical care in the UK even before becoming president in May 2015.

He emphasized that the UK doctors were already well-acquainted with Buhari’s medical history, making it a sensible decision to continue his treatment there. Adesina pointed out that many Nigerian hospitals lacked the necessary facilities and expertise required for the former president’s care.

He remarked, “Buhari has been doing his medicals in London even before he became president. His doctors in London knew his history, and it was only sensible to continue with them.” He further stated that, as a leader, it was crucial for Buhari to prioritize his health, asserting, “You have to be alive first to correct things in your country. If he had said he would do his medicals in Nigeria just for show, he could have long been dead, due to the possible lack of necessary expertise.”