A new twist has surfaced regarding the private life of the late former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, and his wife, Aisha Buhari. U.S.-based Nigerian academic and media scholar, Professor Farooq Kperogi, has claimed that the couple were no longer married before Buhari’s death.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Kperogi alleged that President Buhari and Aisha had quietly divorced after his exit from office in May 2023, and that Aisha had reverted to her maiden name, Aisha Halilu.
“People have been circulating a quote attributed to Aisha Buhari, claiming that Buhari asked her to seek forgiveness from Nigerians on his behalf,” Kperogi wrote. “I can’t confirm the authenticity of that claim, but what I do know is that before Buhari’s death, he and Aisha were no longer married.”
He said there was no official confirmation that the First Lady ever made such a statement and questioned the widespread sharing of the quote without a credible source.
Kperogi also pointed out signs that, in his view, confirmed the couple’s separation.
“If you paid close attention, you would notice that Aisha didn’t go to Daura when he retired to the town after leaving office. Buhari was also alone when he later relocated to Kaduna,” he stated.
He added that when Buhari fell ill and it was suggested that Aisha travel to London to care for him, she reportedly hesitated due to their separation. According to him, she only made the trip after “intense persuasion,” just a few days before Buhari passed away.
“Even now, during this period of mourning, she seems understandably conflicted about her role,” he said.
The professor’s revelation has stirred fresh debate online, especially as the nation continues to mourn the passing of Buhari, who was buried on Tuesday in Daura with full military honours.
As of the time of this report, neither Aisha Buhari nor any member of the Buhari family has responded to the claims.
