By Rafiu Ajakaye
LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - President Muhammadu Buhari arrived back in Nigeria on Friday after a 51-day absence in the U.K. for medical care, local media reported.
He arrived at Kaduna airport before being flown by helicopter to his residence in capital Abuja, the THISDAY news website reported, citing presidential office sources.
Buhari could address the nation Friday to calm concerns over his capacity to govern, the site added.
In a statement released Thursday night, Buhari’s spokesman Femi Adesina said the president left the country on Jan. 19 for a vacation, during which he had routine medical checks. He was due back on Feb. 6 but was detained on for further tests.
“President Buhari expresses appreciation to teeming Nigerians from across the country and beyond, who had prayed fervently for him and also sent their good wishes,” the statement said.
Buhari’s absence sparked speculation over his health amid fears of a political crisis similar to the illness and death in office of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in May 2010, when a power vacuum saw power transferred to Vice President Goodluck Jonathan.
However, by temporarily transferring power to deputy Yemi Osinbajo Buhari avoided a constitutional crisis.