Human rights activist and legal scholar, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, has strongly criticized former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari over his recent statements about the source of his wealth. In a scathing response, Odinkalu accused Buhari of dishonesty and urged him to cease making misleading claims about his financial status, particularly now that he is no longer seeking political office.
Odinkalu’s comments came after Buhari suggested that the source of his wealth was derived from personal hard work and investments. The former president, who served two terms from 2015 to 2023, had recently made statements that raised eyebrows regarding the accumulation of his financial assets.
In a press conference held today, Odinkalu challenged Buhari’s assertions, saying, “It is troubling to hear a former president make statements about his wealth that appear detached from reality. For years, we watched as the country struggled under the weight of corruption scandals and financial mismanagement. To now claim that your wealth is the result of personal hard work is not only misleading but insulting to the people of Nigeria.”
Odinkalu, known for his outspoken stance on human rights and governance, continued, “Buhari needs to stop lying about the source of his wealth. He is no longer running for office, and the Nigerian people deserve transparency, not evasions or half-truths. If he truly amassed wealth through legitimate means, there should be no hesitation in providing proof. However, after years of public office, questions remain about the true origins of such wealth.”
The activist emphasized that this was not just a matter of personal integrity but also a broader issue of accountability in Nigerian leadership. "It’s time to stop the political games. Our country is at a crossroads, and we need leaders who are honest and open about the way they manage public resources," Odinkalu said.