Former President Muhammadu Buhari has declared that he would never abandon the All Progressives Party (APC) that gave him the platform to serve as Nigeria’s leader for two consecutive terms.
Buhari’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu, who made this statement on Wednesday after the APC governors visited the former president in his Kaduna home, said Buhari has denied working against the party.
Shehu quoted Buhari as saying that, “Without referring to any individual, a cast of characters, or issues, principles and ideals currently being discussed by party leaders at various levels, the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, has reiterated what he said times without number that he is member of the All Progressives Congress, APC and would like to be addressed as a loyal member of the party.
“He says he wants to leave no one in doubt that he would never turn his back to the party that gave him two terms of office and would do whatever he can to popularise it.
“I am an APC member, and I like to be addressed as such. I will try to popularise the party by all means,” said the ex-president.
Buhari’s clarification comes barely one month after the former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai said he had told and received the former President’s blessing to quit the APC and join the Social Democratic Party.
El-Rufai told the BBC Hausa in early March that he jumped ship after securing Buhari’s blessing.
“I left the APC with his (Buhari’s) full knowledge. I visited him on a Friday and informed him of my decision to leave the party, because I involve and consult with him on all my matters,” he revealed.
Buhari has advised the members of the Progressive Governors Forum to prioritise the welfare of the people instead of themselves.
He gave the governors “his personal example of leaving office with the same physical assets he had before his presidency,” adding that leadership comes with challenges and opportunities that, when balanced, would ensure national progress.
“The former president expressed confidence in the progress made by the governors elected on the platform of the APC and reiterated his call for continued dedication to the nation’s progress.
“He also said leaders should accord importance to the welfare of the people, not themselves, offering his personal example of leaving office with the same physical assets he had before his presidency,” the statement read in part.
He said Buhari appreciated the Tinubu administration for renovating his Kaduna residence, saying though the building looked very much the same externally, so much improvement was made inside.
The former leader praised the governors for visiting him, saying while he had worked with several of them, others were new to him.
The Chairman of the PGF, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State said that visited the former president during Eid-el-Fitr to “convey our heartfelt expression of gratitude and enduring respect for your immense contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and strengthening our party.”
Uzodinma said “many of us recall with pride the principled role you played in the founding of the APC. That legacy continues to shape our party’s identity direction.
“We are especially gratified, only a few weeks ago, to hear your public affirmation that the APC remains your party of choice. That declaration could not have come at a better time,” adding that the declaration reaffirmed Buhari’s place as a “pillar of our movement” and reassured party members.
“Mr. President, you are Pan-Nigerian. Your Excellency, your legacy in Nigerian history is secure. You remain the only opposition candidate in our nation’s history to have defeated an incumbent.
“You did not only win power, you governed with calm resolve and handed over, with honor, to another APC president. For this, we are extremely grateful.
“Your administration gave expression to our party’s core principles through your focus on security, economic recovery, and anti-corruption,” he declared.
