Former First Lady Aisha Buhari has revealed that late President Muhammadu Buhari once believed rumours circulating within Aso Rock that she intended to harm him, a situation she said had serious consequences for his wellbeing.
The revelation is contained in a newly launched biography of the former president titled From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, authored by Dr Charles Omole and unveiled on Monday at the State House, Abuja.
According to Aisha Buhari, the damaging gossip led her husband to grow fearful and suspicious, causing changes in his daily routine. She disclosed that Buhari began locking his room and altering habits that had previously helped him maintain his health.
She explained that contrary to speculation surrounding Buhari’s later health challenges, he was not suffering from a mysterious illness or poisoning. Instead, she attributed the decline to the mismanagement of his medications and dietary supplements.
The book details how Aisha Buhari had long overseen her husband’s meals and supplements, ensuring they were taken at specific times to help him stay strong, given his long history of malnutrition-related symptoms.
“Elderly bodies require gentle, consistent support. He doesn’t have a chronic illness. Keep him on schedule.
“Then came the gossip and the fearmongering. They said I wanted to kill him.
“My husband believed them for a week or so,” she said.
She further revealed that the rumours disrupted Buhari’s routine, noting that meals were skipped and supplements abandoned.
“For a year, he did not have lunch. They mismanaged his meals.”
Former President Muhammadu Buhari died in July 2025 at a London clinic. His remains were later returned to Nigeria, where he was laid to rest in Daura.
