Former President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that he left office with the same personal assets he had before assuming the presidency, reinforcing his public image of transparency and accountability in leadership.
This was made known during a recent visit by governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to his residence in Kaduna State.
The former president used the opportunity to reflect on his time in office, urging the nation’s leaders to place the needs of citizens above personal interests.
“Leadership is both a challenge and an opportunity. It is important to focus on the needs of the people and not personal welfare. I left office with the same physical assets I had before my presidency,” Buhari said.
His comment comes amid rising conversations about the wealth accumulation of political officeholders in Nigeria.
However, Buhari’s remark is being viewed as a reminder that public service should be approached with honesty and responsibility.
Moreover, he expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for renovating his Kaduna home.
He noted that while the exterior remained unchanged, the interior had been significantly improved.
“I thank President Tinubu for the work done on my home. It still looks the same outside, but inside, so much has been improved,” he said.
The former president also spoke highly of the APC, describing it as a party built on progressive values.
He expressed confidence in the leadership of the current administration and the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), encouraging the governors to stay focused on national growth.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, who led the delegation and chairs the PGF, praised Buhari for his contribution to the party and the country.
He emphasized that Buhari’s honesty and achievements continue to guide the party’s path.
“Many of us recall with pride the principled role you played in the founding of the APC. That legacy continues to shape our party’s identity direction,” Uzodinma stated.
He further acknowledged the weight of Buhari’s public support for the APC, especially after reaffirming it as his party of choice.
“We are especially gratified, only a few weeks ago, to hear your public affirmation that the APC remains your party of choice. That declaration could not have come at a better time. It reaffirmed your place as a pillar of our movement and provided reassurance to members of our party,” he added.
The governor highlighted Buhari’s historic electoral victory and the peaceful transfer of power.
“Your Excellency, your legacy in Nigerian history is secure. You remain the only opposition candidate in our nation’s history to have defeated an incumbent. You did not only win power, you governed with calm resolve and handed over, with honour, to another APC president.”
Buhari’s focus on citizen-centered leadership during his presidency was also applauded.
Uzodinma cited the expansion of social intervention programs, improved security, and advancements in infrastructure.
“Your efforts reclaimed territory from insurgents, extended social investment programs like the Conditional Cash Transfer and School Feeding Program, and ushered in a road and rail revolution that is still bearing fruit,” he said.
Programs like the Anchor Borrowers Scheme were mentioned as direct drivers of food security.
According to Uzodinma, “You taught us to produce what we eat and eat what we produce.”
Meanwhile, he noted that President Tinubu is continuing Buhari’s legacy through bold reforms.
He acknowledged Buhari’s birthday message endorsing Tinubu’s leadership as a “powerful symbol of continuity and humility.”
Therefore, as the APC navigates the future, Buhari’s example remains a strong symbol of the values the party claims to uphold.
The governors also asked the former leader to continue offering guidance as they work towards a better Nigeria.
