Garba Shehu, former presidential spokesperson, has disclosed that the infamous rat invasion story at the Presidential Villa was a strategic distraction aimed at diverting public concern over President Muhammadu Buhari’s health. In his newly launched book, According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesperson’s Experience, Shehu admits that the narrative was concocted to shift focus away from Buhari’s health issues during a critical period.
The claim gained traction amidst rumors of Buhari being replaced by a clone, further complicating public perception of his leadership. Despite pushback from critics, Shehu believed the spin was necessary to protect the presidency’s image.
Following Buhari’s return from medical treatment in the UK in 2017, concerns about his fitness for office were rampant. The decision to have him work from home instead of the State House only fueled speculation.
