Former president Muhammadu Buhari has reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the All Progressives Congress, APC, stating that he remains a committed member and will do everything within his power to strengthen the party.
Buhari made the declaration amidst growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement released by his former spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on Thursday, Buhari made it clear that he would never abandon the party that gave him the platform to lead Nigeria for two terms.
“I am an APC member, and I like to be addressed as such. I will try to popularise the party by all means,” Buhari was quoted as saying.
Stressing his gratitude, he noted that he considers the opportunity to have served as Nigeria’s leader under the APC as the “highest honour” and does not seek anything more from the party.
“At present, I have nothing but gratitude for the support that the party gave me before and during my tenure as president,” he said.
He also emphasised the “sacrifices made by the founding fathers of the APC,” stressing that their efforts in “building a strong party to protect democracy and uphold the constitution” must be cherished and sustained.
Meanwhile, Buhari’s statement comes at a time when key political figures, including former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, have defected from the APC, citing “ideological differences and internal crises.”
El-Rufai, a stern supporter of Buhari during his administration, recently defected to the Social Democratic Party.
Chronicle NG reports that El Rufai earlier revealed that he had informed Buhari before making his move.
His defection has fuelled rumours about an internal crisis within the ruling party, as well as concerns over Buhari’s position on the unfolding political shifts.
While Buhari made no direct mention of El-Rufai, his declaration of commitment to the APC sends a powerful statement amid ongoing political realignments, indicating that he is committed to the party despite the departure of some of his old allies.
“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 a 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 on the party that gave him two terms of office and would do whatever he can to popularise it,” it read partly.
