I Didn’t Enrich Myself as President, Politicians Should Emulate Me – Buhari
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has said he left office with the same physical assets he had before becoming Nigeria’s leader, insisting he did not enrich himself during his time in power.
Speaking through his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, Buhari made the statement while hosting governors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday.
“Shehu quoted Buhari as advising the Progressive Governors Forum to prioritise the welfare of citizens, stressing that leadership is both a challenge and an opportunity. He urged leaders to strike a balance between the two to advance national progress.”
The former president said his personal example should serve as a model for others, claiming he did not acquire additional wealth while in office.
In 2023, Buhari made similar assertions in his post-presidency asset report, maintaining that his net worth remained unchanged throughout his eight-year tenure.
When he assumed office in May 2015, Buhari declared his assets but refused to make the documents public. Instead, a statement released by Shehu claimed Buhari’s assets included N30 million in cash and residential properties in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, and his hometown Daura.
Buhari was also said to own undeveloped lands in Kano and Port Harcourt, although he admitted he was unsure of the Port Harcourt land’s exact location.
His claims have faced public scepticism, with calls from media and civil society organisations urging him to publish his asset declaration for verification.
Doubts were further fuelled by Buhari’s earlier statements that he did not own a house in Abuja and had to rent accommodation whenever he visited the capital.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
