In a thought-provoking commentary, Nigerian academic and columnist Farooq Kperogi has cast doubt on the widely circulated claim that former First Lady Aisha Buhari was instructed by her late ex-husband, Muhammadu Buhari, to seek forgiveness from Nigerians on his behalf.
“I can’t confirm the authenticity of that claim,” Kperogi wrote, “but what I do know is that before Buhari’s death, he and Aisha were no longer married.”
According to Kperogi, the couple had formally divorced, with Aisha reverting to her maiden name, Aisha Halilu—a detail many Nigerians may have missed. He further pointed out that Aisha’s absence in Daura, where Buhari retired after his presidency, and later in Kaduna, where he relocated due to health concerns, spoke volumes about their estranged relationship.
“Buhari was alone,” he emphasized.
Kperogi added that when Buhari’s health deteriorated and it was suggested that Aisha travel to London to care for him, she initially declined. “She reportedly hesitated because she was no longer his wife. She eventually went in the last few days before he died, but only after intense persuasion.”
As the nation mourns the late former president, Kperogi noted that Aisha’s visibly subdued and complex presence during this period reflects a deeper emotional and relational conflict.
“So, I’m genuinely curious,” he concluded, “when and where did Buhari tell her to beg Nigerians for forgiveness? Where did she even say this?”
With these revelations, Kperogi challenges Nigerians to rethink the emotional narratives being shared in the wake of Buhari’s death, urging a deeper look into the private dynamics behind public figures.
Recall that Buhari recently died in London and was buried in his hometown in Daura.
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