Doctors Slam Adesina Over Comments on Buhari’s Death and Nigerian Hospitals

Nigerian doctors are furious over comments made by Femi Adesina, former spokesman to late President Muhammadu Buhari, suggesting the ex-leader would have died long ago if he had relied on Nigerian hospitals.

Adesina made the remarks during a Channels Television interview while defending Buhari’s frequent medical trips to the UK. He said Nigeria lacked the medical expertise to manage the president’s health conditions and claimed Buhari’s survival depended on foreign treatment.

The medical community responded with outrage, calling the statement ignorant, insulting, and damaging to public confidence in local healthcare professionals.

Dr. Tope Osundara, President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), described Adesina’s remarks as “a slap in the face” of hardworking Nigerian doctors who continue to serve despite poor infrastructure and low pay.

“Adesina spoke out of sheer ignorance,” Osundara said. “Even Vice President Osinbajo had surgery here in Nigeria. The late president’s son was first stabilised in Nigeria before being flown abroad. We have doctors who treat complex cases daily.”

Osundara also criticised the country’s reliance on foreign hospitals, saying it undermines development of local medical infrastructure. He urged President Bola Tinubu to halt medical tourism by public officials and invest in the nation’s hospitals.

Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu, First Vice President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), echoed the sentiment, calling Adesina’s comments “a big slap” on the country’s medical professionals.

“It’s shameful that after eight years in office, the Buhari government could not upgrade a single hospital to global standards,” he said. “Yet Adesina claims he would have died here? That’s grossly inappropriate.”

Olowojebutu demanded a public apology and commended Nigerian doctors who have chosen to remain in the country despite better offers abroad. He said all Nigeria needs is serious investment in equipment, facilities, and training.

Both medical leaders insisted Nigeria has the talent but lacks political will to fix the health sector. They warned that continued medical tourism would keep draining the economy and worsening the crisis in the country’s hospitals.