He Said No! Buhari Rejected Lavish Spending While In Power — Garba Shehu Reveals

Shehu made these revelations in his newly released memoir, According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesperson’s Experience, which was unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja. The book details Shehu’s eight years serving as Buhari’s media aide and offers behind-the-scenes insights into life within the State House.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to Shehu, shortly after Buhari’s inauguration, a proposal was put forward to raise the State House food budget—which covered meals for the President, Vice President, guest houses, and official events—to ₦10 million monthly. Buhari, however, was reportedly shocked by the figure.

“When they told him ₦10 million was needed, he screamed and insisted it be slashed. He asked, ‘Look at my table—what do I eat? How much does it cost?’” Shehu recounted.

Shehu also highlighted Buhari’s simple and health-conscious eating habits throughout his time in office, noting that the former president preferred traditional and modest meals such as tuwo, pap, akara, beans, wheat, salads, poultry, and mutton—foods typically associated with Nigeria’s lower-income earners.

In addition, Shehu revealed Buhari’s decision to reject the purchase of five customized Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The cars had been ordered during the final days of the Goodluck Jonathan administration, with ₦400 million already allocated for the procurement.

“The proposal to acquire the cars came during Jonathan’s last days in office,” Shehu wrote. “But Buhari asked, ‘What’s wrong with the cars the former president used? They’re good enough for me.’”

Rather than approving the purchase, Buhari instructed the then State House Permanent Secretary, Nebolisa Emodi, to reduce costs and improve financial discipline. He insisted that all State House expenditures stay within the approved budget and directed an end to reliance on so-called Presidential Intervention Funds.

Buhari continued using the vehicles inherited from his predecessor until one eventually broke down en route to the airport, forcing him to upgrade reluctantly.

Shehu also explained that Buhari spent the early months of his presidency consulting with permanent secretaries and heads of government agencies to fully grasp the country’s challenges—a move that delayed the appointment of ministers and sparked public criticism at the time.