United States-based Nigerian columnist and academic, Farooq Kperogi, has publicly apologised to former First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, over a controversial Facebook post in which he claimed that she was divorced from her late husband, former President Muhammadu Buhari, before his demise.
In a heartfelt statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Sunday, Kperogi admitted that his July 16 publication, titled “Aisha Buhari, Divorce, and Forgiveness Claim”, was a serious lapse in judgment and had caused “profoundly painful consequences” for the former First Lady and her family.
Describing the post as “one of the worst and cruellest lapses of judgment” in his career, Kperogi acknowledged that although the information was sourced from what he termed an “unimpeachable” contact, it was a grave error to make it public.
“My source, whose integrity is unimpeachable, insists the information is accurate, but never intended for it to become public,” he stated. “Going public with the information was an error on my part, as not every well-sourced information is for public consumption.”
The controversial post had stirred a storm of reactions, as it alleged that Aisha and President Buhari were no longer married at the time of his death and that the late president sought her forgiveness before passing.
The claim quickly gained traction on social media, sparking widespread backlash and criticism.
Kperogi revealed that following the uproar, Alhaji Sani Zorro, former Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to Mrs. Buhari and a long-time associate, reached out to challenge the accuracy of the information and conveyed the former First Lady’s official position that her marriage remained intact until the former president’s death.
“I will not contest the particulars and veracity of the information with Alhaji Sani, who conveyed the former First Lady’s position,” Kperogi wrote. “As the late MKO Abiola memorably said, no one can give you a haircut in your absence.”
In what appeared to be a deep reflection, Kperogi reiterated that his intention was not malicious, but acknowledged the damage caused by the disclosure.
“I shouldn’t have shared it publicly. Period. Doing so violated every moral and ethical principle I cherish and uphold. But it shows I am only human, an imperfect human,” he wrote.
He further clarified that he had no ulterior motive, stating, “It might be impossible for many to believe—except those who truly know me—that I acted without malice, ulterior motives, or external influence. But I sincerely did not intend to harm Mrs. Buhari or execute any personal vendetta.”
Kperogi concluded his statement with an unreserved apology, expressing remorse over the distress the publication had caused.
“To Mrs. Aisha Buhari, I offer my heartfelt and unreserved apology for the needless and deeply regrettable hurt I have caused. I am truly sorry,” he said.
The apology has since drawn mixed reactions online, with some commending the writer for taking responsibility, while others criticised the initial publication as unethical and insensitive, especially considering its implications on the legacy of the late president and the dignity of the former First Lady.
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