Buhari Rejected N10m Food Budget As President; Ate Beans, Pap,
In the grand halls of Aso Rock, where power and opulence often intertwine, former President Muhammadu Buhari carved out a legacy of simplicity that left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s presidency. As the nation mourned his passing on July 13, 2025, his former spokesman, Garba Shehu, unveiled a poignant chapter from Buhari’s eight-year tenure in a new book, Lessons from a Presidential Spokesperson’s Experience. It was a story not of lavish banquets, but of beans, pap, and a leader who rejected extravagance with a resolute cry.
When Buhari assumed office in 2015, a proposed N10 million food budget landed on his desk—a figure befitting the grandeur expected of Nigeria’s highest office. But Buhari, ever the man of the people, was appalled. “Look at my table, what do I eat? How much does it cost?” he demanded, his voice echoing with incredulity, as Shehu recounted. With a swift directive, he ordered the budget slashed, setting the tone for a presidency defined by frugality.
Shehu’s revelation painted a vivid picture of Buhari’s dining table, one that mirrored the humble meals of Nigeria’s working class. No exotic delicacies graced his plate; instead, it was laden with tuwo, the dough-like staple crafted from grains, pap, akara (bean cakes), beans, wheat, and an abundance of salads. Poultry and mutton rounded out his menu, each dish a testament to his commitment to healthy, unpretentious eating. These were the foods of the common man, chosen by a president who saw no need for extravagance in a nation grappling with economic challenges.
This glimpse into Buhari’s private life, shared through Shehu’s words, tells a broader story of a leader who sought to lead by example. In a country where political excess often overshadows service, Buhari’s rejection of a lavish budget was a quiet rebellion against the status quo. His table, simple yet nourishing, became a symbol of his ethos—discipline, modesty, and a deep connection to the everyday Nigerian.
As Nigeria reflects on Buhari’s legacy, Shehu’s account offers a moment of intimacy amid the grandeur of leadership. The man who once led Africa’s most populous nation dined not as a king, but as a citizen, his plate a reminder that true leadership is often found in the simplest acts.
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