Former President Muhammadu Buhari has sparked confusion and debate after relocating to his private residence in Kaduna, just weeks after stating that he depended on the rent from the property for his livelihood.
Buhari while addressing the All Progressives Congress, APC, Caucus at the Katsina State Government House on January 27, 2025, disclosed that he now relies on rent from one of his two houses to feed himself.
He also insisted that he never enriched himself in a corrupt way while in office for eight years.
However, on Thrusday, February 27, 2025, the former president returned to his Kaduna residence after spending two years in Daura, Katsina, since he left office in May 2023.
“Today, former President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to his Kaduna residence after spending two years in Daura, Katsina State, since leaving office in May 2023,” Bashir Ahmad, his former aide, wrote on X.
“After completing his tenure, he opted for a quiet life in his hometown and largely stayed out of active political discussions, focusing on private engagements.”
Bashir Ahmad, in the social media post, said Buhari was accompanied to his Kaduna residence by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other high-profile dignitaries, including Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, current and former deputy governors of Katsina State, a former Inspector General of Police, former ministers, and several personal aides.
Ahmad also noted that Buhari received a warm send-off in Katsina, where well-wishers gathered alongside notable figures such as Mallam Mamman Daura and Musa Halilu (Dujiman Adamawa).
The development, however, sparked confusion as many questioned which house he was referring to when he claimed he rented out a property to sustain himself.
An X user, Olusegun Bakare with username @theboyisgreat said; “I hope it’s a rented house bcos this man said he has only one house, which is the one in Daura.”
Another user @DanjumaDanjuu wrote; “I thought 🤔 he said he give out the house 🏡 for rent. Who’s deceiving who?”
Yunusa Pyaske, a Facebook user sadi; “Mr. President’s Kaduna house was rented out. I wonder how the tenants he rented the house to will be feeling now. Though, you didn’t include them among those who welcome him to the house in Kaduna.”
“Wanders shall never end. He said he has rented his house out..so where is he going to stay or is he going to rent another house ne,” Ibrahim Abba Sheriff, another Facebook user questioned.
Nasir Amin reacted; “I thought he (Buhari) stated that he rented the house out and he feeds his family with the rental fee? Now that he returned to the house which money is he going to use to feed them since he is now the occupant? I need some clarification.”
However, Bashir later addressed the confusion, saying the ex-president has three houses – two in Kaduna State and one in Daura, Katsina State.
He said; “For those confused about former President Muhammadu Buhari returning to his residence in Kaduna after it was reported recently that he had rented out his house there, President Buhari owns two houses in Kaduna. As he himself stated, “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 rent, from which I get money.”
“So, while one of his houses in Kaduna is rented out, he still retains another residence in the Centre of Learning!”
