Former President Muhammadu Buhari has stirred fresh debate on social media after returning to his private residence in Kaduna, barely a month after revealing that he relies on rental income from one of his houses in the state to cover his feeding expenses.
The former president relocated to the Kaduna residence on Thursday, February 27, 2025, after spending nearly two years in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, where he had lived quietly since leaving office on May 29, 2023. His return was confirmed by his former media aide, Bashir Ahmad, in a post on X, where he noted that Buhari had largely stayed away from active politics during his retirement in Daura, focusing instead on private engagements.
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Buhari was accompanied to Kaduna by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Babagana Umara Zulum, Uba Sani, former ministers, current and former deputy governors of Katsina State, a former Inspector-General of Police, and several longtime associates. According to Ahmad, the former president also received a warm farewell from family members, political associates, and supporters before departing Daura.
Back story
The controversy stems from remarks Buhari made on January 25, 2025, during an All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus meeting in Katsina State. Speaking in Hausa, the former president insisted he did not use public office to enrich himself and disclosed that he owns only three houses—one in Daura and two in Kaduna.
He explained that he had rented out one of the Kaduna properties and that the proceeds from the rent were what he depended on for his daily expenses.
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“After my eight years as a civil president, I have only three houses; one in Daura and two in Kaduna. I have given one out for renting where I get money for feeding.”
Buhari made the statement while urging public office holders to embrace transparency and accountability, arguing that governing Nigeria is far more complex than many citizens realise.
Social media users seek clarification
Following news of Buhari’s relocation to Kaduna, many Nigerians questioned whether the residence he returned to was the same property he previously said had been rented out.
On X, user Olusegun Bakare (@theboyisgreat) wrote, “I hope it’s not the rented house because this man said he has only one house, which is the one in Daura.”
Another user, @DanjumaDanjuu, commented, “I thought he said he gave the house out for rent. Who’s deceiving who?”
Similar reactions appeared on Facebook, where Yunusa Pyaske wondered what had become of the tenants if Buhari had indeed moved into the rented property.
Another Facebook user, Ibrahim Abba Sheriff, questioned why Buhari would return to a house he previously claimed generated his feeding allowance, while Nasir Amin also asked how the former president intended to sustain himself if he was now occupying the same residence.
Neither Buhari nor his aides has publicly clarified whether the Kaduna residence he moved into is the same property that was rented out or whether he was referring to his second house in the state. As a result, the development has continued to generate speculation and debate across social media, with many Nigerians calling for further clarification.
