By Gabriella Ogbu
Former President, Muhammadu Buhari has dismissed claims that his land was revoked by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), clarifying that the disputed plot belongs to the Muhammadu Buhari Foundation, not him personally.
Garba Shehu, spokesperson for the former President, explained in a statement that the Foundation legally acquired the land but faced difficulties when the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), demanded an exorbitant fee for the certificate of occupancy.
The fee, Shehu noted, was unusually high and inconsistent with charges for similar organizations, possibly due to a clerical or deliberate error.
The Foundation’s inability to meet the financial demand led to the revocation, but Shehu emphasized that Buhari has no personal ties to the plot.
“Let us not distort the facts. The land was allocated to a Foundation in his name, not to him personally,” he stated.
Buhari, known for his integrity regarding public resources, reiterated his detachment from the matter.
During his presidency, he famously declined an offer for an additional plot of land in Abuja, insisting that others in greater need should benefit.
The controversy has sparked fresh discussions on transparency in Nigeria’s land administration, with critics questioning the FCTA’s motives.
Shehu urged the public to avoid misinformation and focus on systemic issues rather than dragging Buhari’s name into unwarranted debates.
The incident highlights how matters linked to prominent figures can quickly escalate into public controversies fueled by speculation and distortion.
