Human rights lawyer and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has called out former President Muhammadu Buhari over his comments about his wealth and his lifestyle.

Buhari claimed that after spending eight years in office as president, his family now relies on the income from renting his house in Kaduna State for their expenses.

The former President made this statement while addressing a gathering of the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus in Katsina State on Sunday, ahead of the state’s local council election scheduled for February 15.

According to Buhari, he did not leave office with any illegally acquired wealth, noting that Nigeria is a challenging country to govern due to its complexities.

Speaking in Hausa, Buhari argued that the majority of Nigerians were unaware of the administrative challenges involved in governing the country, and tend to simply blame leaders.

The former President said, “Nigeria is a difficult country to govern, but most Nigerians are unaware. Until you find yourself in the administrative position of the country, if not, you will not understand the complexities.

“I look much better and healthier now than when I was the president of the country. Anybody that sees me now acknowledges that I look better than before.

“After my eight years as a civil president, I have only three houses; one in Daura and two in Kaduna. I have given one out for renting where I get money for feeding.”

In response to Buhari’s statement, Odinkalu in a post on his X account, urges the former president to stop lying about his wealth and possessions, as he is no longer running for the office of President, which he described as the “office of Messiah.”

Odinkalu said, “Someone should please tell Muhammadu Buhari that he is no longer running for the office of Messiah, therefore, no longer has any need to keep lying about his earthly acquisitions."