Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai has stated that the recent visit to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna was not political.
On Friday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar led a delegation of well-known politicians to Buhari’s home in Kaduna.
The delegation included Nasir el-Rufai, former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Communications Minister Isa Pantami, former Imo Governor Achike Udenwa, former Benue Governor Gabriel Suswam, and former Adamawa Governor Jibrilla Bindow.
The visit raised eyebrows, especially as el-Rufai had recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
However, in a post on X on Friday, el-Rufai insisted there was no political agenda.
“We joined the faithful for Jumaat prayers at the Yahaya Road Mosque and had a sumptuous lunch at the Buhari Residence.
“By the way, our adversaries should not lose any sleep. It is not about politics. It is about unity and brotherhood. And since we are all politically irrelevant, we just prayed and enjoyed lunch with our mentor,” he wrote.
El-Rufai also disclosed that he had informed Buhari before leaving the APC.
He stated that the former president prayed for him after he shared his plans to defect.
“I do not take a major decision without first consulting Buhari,” he said.
On his part, Buhari made it clear that he remains loyal to the APC.
Through a statement from his media aide, Garba Shehu, Buhari said he would not abandon the party that helped him become president.
He said, “I will never turn my back on the ruling party.”
