Mallam Garba Shehu, former spokesperson to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has emphatically stated that Buhari exited office in 2023 without wealth or evidence of bribery.
Shehu made these remarks in Abuja on Tuesday during a media chat ahead of the launch of his upcoming book, According to The President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesperson’s Experience, scheduled for public presentation on July 9.
Speaking to journalists, Shehu insisted that Buhari did not use his position for personal financial gain and remains financially modest.
“Buhari is broke and does not have money. Nobody can come out and say Buhari gave him a bribe,” Shehu said firmly.
He added that since Buhari left office, the media pressure on him has disappeared, saying, “No journalist has called me since saying ‘we’re going to press’ and want my reaction. I now sleep very well.”
Certificate Controversy: A Political Tool
Addressing the long-standing controversy surrounding Buhari’s academic certificate, Shehu dismissed the issue as a politically motivated tactic from the 2015 election cycle.
“The allegation over the certificate was a product of politics surrounding the 2015 election. Buhari was cleared because the certificate was found. He was a military secretary. Government College, Katsina was burnt and some officers were punished for being used by politicians,” he explained.
On Buhari’s Reserved Nature and Media Silence
Shehu also offered insights into Buhari’s personality, describing him as a deeply private individual and voracious reader who deliberately stayed out of the media spotlight.
“Buhari is one of the most voracious readers in Nigeria. He reads all newspapers. He asks for newspapers every morning,” Shehu shared.
“Buhari doesn’t speak to the media because he wasn’t a showman and wanted his work to impact on the people.”
Aide’s Reflections on Political Turbulence Under Obasanjo
The former presidential spokesperson reflected on his earlier experience working with Vice President Atiku Abubakar during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s second term (2003–2007). He described it as a turbulent era, characterized by political strife and personal risks.
“During Obasanjo’s second term, the president declared war on his vice president in a major crisis that sent threats including fear of death flying around,” Shehu recalled.
He recounted harrowing personal experiences, including being expelled from office, detained by the Department of State Services, imprisoned at Kuje, and facing a prolonged court trial.
A Book for Media, Politicians, and Historians
Shehu said his book is intended as a resource for media professionals, political actors, and researchers interested in presidential communication and Nigerian political history.
“The book documents the rough and tough moments, and provides reading material on lessons learned in many years of presidential communications. It teaches how to work with the media, the society, the courts, and law enforcement agencies,” he said.
On Buhari’s Legacy
Looking back on Buhari’s presidency, Shehu maintained that the former president gave his best amid serious challenges, especially in security and governance.
“People will see in due course whether Buhari did his best or not. History will be kind to Buhari,” Shehu asserted.
“When he came in, the big issue was Boko Haram. The farmers and herders crisis has been an old crisis from colonial times. He did his best, but some governors don’t trust him.”
The book, “According to The President,” will be officially unveiled on July 9 in Abuja and is expected to offer a behind-the-scenes perspective on presidential leadership, media engagement, and national politics in Nigeria.
