Aisha and Muhammadu Buhari
By Victory Oghene
A U.S.-based Nigerian Professor of Journalism and Emerging Media at Kennesaw State University, Farooq Kperogi has said that the late former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari and his wife, Aisha ceased to be husband and wife in 2023 and they were divorced before Buhari died.
Prof. Kperogi disclosed this via his Facebook page on Wednesday.
“Buhari and Aisha were already divorced before his death” he wrote.
He added that Aisha had reverted to her maiden name, Aisha Halilu, following the divorce.
Screenshot of Prof. Farooq Kperogi’s post on Facebook
Kperogi noted that the First Lady was absent from Daura when Buhari retired to his hometown after leaving office in May 2023.
He added that the former president later relocated alone to Kaduna, further indicating a separation between the couple.
The professor questioned claims that Aisha said Buhari asked her to beg Nigerians for forgiveness, stating there was no verifiable source for the statement.
He wrote: “People have been circulating a quote attributed to Aisha Buhari, claiming that Buhari asked her to seek forgiveness from Nigerians on his behalf.
“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.
“They had divorced, and Aisha reverted to her maiden name, Aisha Halilu.
“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.
“In fact, when he fell ill and it was suggested that Aisha travel to London to care for him, 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.
“Even now, during this period of mourning, she seems understandably conflicted about her role.
“So, I’m genuinely curious to know when and where Buhari told her to beg Nigerians for forgiveness. Where did she even say this?”
Source: Kperogi’s Facebook post
