Buhari breaks silence on reason for absence at ECOWAS 50th anniversary, “Regrettably”

• Former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed regret for not attending the ECOWAS 50th anniversary celebration held in Lagos on Wednesday, May 28, 2025
• In a statement issued on Wednesday, Buhari said he missed the event due to a routine medical check-up in the United Kingdom
• Buhari hailed President Bola Tinubu who is the leader of the bloc and paid tribute to General Yakubu Gowon, the only surviving founder of ECOWAS

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

Former president Muhammadu Buhari has said that his inability to attend the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held in Lagos on Wednesday, May 28, was due to a medical check-up in the UK.

Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari explained why he did not attend the ECOWAS 50th anniversary. Photo credit: Muhammadu Buhari
Source: Facebook

Buhari cites medical check-up in UK as reason for absence

In a letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Buhari congratulated the regional bloc on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, while expressing regret over his inability to attend the historic celebration.

“Regrettably, as Your Excellency is aware, I am currently in the United Kingdom undergoing routine medical check-ups and therefore, unable to attend this historic event,” Buhari wrote.

Speaking further, the former president popularly referred to as Sai Baba, lauded the achievements of ECOWAS over the past five decades, acknowledging the regional body’s resilience in the face of daunting challenges.

“I congratulate Your Excellency and other Heads of State and Government on the attainment of this Golden Jubilee by ECOWAS,” he stated.

Buhari greets President Tinubu as ECOWAS celebrates 50th anniversary in Lagos on Wednesday. Photo credit: Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Muhammadu Buhari
Source: Facebook

Buhari also paid tribute to retired General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s former Head of State, the only surviving founding father of ECOWAS, commending his pivotal role in the creation of the regional bloc in 1975.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the anniversary celebration marked a milestone for ECOWAS, which was formally inaugurated in Lagos in 1975.

A symbolic reenactment of the original declaration was held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), in Victoria Island, Lagos.

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Source: Legit.ng