President Muhammadu Buhari had denied approving former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s defection from APC to SDP.
The former president disclosed this in a statement released by his spokesperson Garba Shehu on Thursday.
El-Rufai, in an interview with BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday, said he consulted and got approval from Buhari before he defected to the opposition SDP.
Among others, Rl-Rufai accused the ruling APC of abandoning its original mandates and policies.
The statement reads, “Without referring to any individual, cast of characters, or issues, principles and ideals currently being discussed by Party leaders at various levels, former President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated what he’s said times without number, that he is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) @OfficialAPCNg , 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 on 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.”
“He went on to add that at present, he has nothing but gratitude for the support that the Party gave him before and during his tenure as President, which he considers as the highest honour, and would never ask for anything more.
“He further stated that the pains taken by the founding fathers to establish a strong party to protect our constitution, and democracy as a system of government, are worthy sacrifices that should be cherished and nurtured.”
