“I Was Wrong”: Farooq Kperogi Issues Emotional Public Apology to Aisha Buhari Over False Divorce Claim

In an unexpected twist that has stirred intense conversation across Nigeria’s digital space, renowned journalist and professor of journalism, Farooq Kperogi, has publicly retracted a widely shared claim he made regarding the marital status of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari and his wife, Aisha Buhari. The seasoned academic, known for his sharp commentary and in-depth political analyses, stunned many with his emotionally charged apology posted on social media, in which he not only admitted to making a grave error of judgment but also offered an unreserved apology to the former First Lady.

Just days earlier, Kperogi had published a Facebook update titled “Aisha Buhari, Divorce, and Forgiveness Claim”, where he asserted that Muhammadu Buhari and Aisha Buhari had separated before the former president’s death. The post, which quickly gained viral momentum, prompted reactions ranging from disbelief and anger to calls for proof and accountability. However, in a dramatic turnaround, Kperogi returned to his platform with a heartfelt and deeply reflective statement, acknowledging the inaccuracy of the information and the pain it caused.

In the statement, Kperogi did not shy away from accepting blame. He described his decision to publish the sensitive information as “one of the worst and cruelest lapses of judgment” in his life. According to him, the source of the information was someone whose integrity he considered beyond question, but who never intended for the details to be made public. Kperogi admitted that while the source may have believed the story to be true, he himself failed in his moral responsibility to properly weigh the consequences of airing such claims, especially without direct confirmation from the parties involved.

What struck many observers was the profound sense of remorse in Kperogi’s words. “It has been a source of unfathomable personal anguish for me these past few days,” he confessed, making it clear that he had been deeply disturbed by the impact of his post. While he continued to defend the reliability of his source, he conceded that the information should never have left his private notes, emphasizing that not all accurate information is fit for public discourse, especially when it involves delicate family matters.

The apology wasn’t only directed at the general public but was specifically addressed to Mrs. Aisha Buhari. Kperogi wrote, “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 also acknowledged former Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to the First Lady, Alhaji Sani Zorro, for reaching out personally to dispute the claims and reaffirm the integrity of the former president’s marriage until his last breath.

Quoting the late MKO Abiola’s famous phrase—“no one can give you a haircut in your absence”—Kperogi underlined the importance of respecting the voice of the person most affected by the matter: Aisha Buhari. He stressed that she alone retains the “ultimate authority” to define the nature and reality of her marriage, regardless of any other narratives that may exist.

Kperogi’s apology has been met with mixed reactions. While many have praised his courage for admitting fault and issuing such a detailed apology—something relatively rare in Nigeria’s public discourse—others remain critical, accusing him of being reckless and insensitive in the first place. Critics argue that a journalist of his experience and reputation should have known better than to publish such intimate claims without solid verification or consent.

Still, others have commended the human element in his apology. “He made a mistake, and he admitted it. That’s more than what most people would do,” said one commenter on X (formerly Twitter). Another wrote, “Kperogi’s words show he’s not just an academic but a man with a conscience. This is how you handle your wrongs.”

Observers within media and academic circles are also weighing in on the incident. Some warn that while journalistic freedom and the pursuit of truth are sacrosanct, they must be balanced with sensitivity, ethical consideration, and a deep awareness of the real-life consequences that published content can have—especially when it pertains to the private lives of public figures.

The incident has also reignited conversations about the boundaries of online commentary, especially from influential figures who are often perceived as credible voices. With the increasing pressure to post timely, attention-grabbing content in a saturated social media landscape, the temptation to publish half-confirmed stories has become a growing challenge even for the most seasoned analysts.

Interestingly, Kperogi emphasized in his apology that his intent was not to smear Mrs. Buhari or to promote any vendetta, clarifying that he acted without malice, manipulation, or political influence. “I acted without malice, ulterior motives, or external influence,” he reiterated. But the journalist was also painfully aware that his intent might be of little comfort to those hurt by the claim.

As the digital dust begins to settle, it remains to be seen what lasting impact this episode will have on Farooq Kperogi’s reputation and how it will shape conversations around ethical responsibility in journalism going forward. For now, his apology has become both a cautionary tale and a rare moment of public vulnerability from one of Nigeria’s most provocative public intellectuals.

While Aisha Buhari herself has yet to make a public statement regarding either the original claim or the subsequent apology, the former First Lady’s silence continues to command its own power. For many, her quiet dignity stands in contrast to the noisy speculation that often surrounds public figures, and it reinforces the sentiment that in matters of the heart—and home—sometimes silence speaks louder than any viral post.