I remain with APC, will popularise it, Buhari insists amid defections.
Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari has reaffirmed his undying devotion to the All Progressives Congress, declaring that he remains a dedicated member and will do everything within his power to improve the party.
This is amidst significant political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a Thursday statement released by his former spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on Wednesday, Buhari clarified it 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.
Emphasising his thanks, the ex-president remarked 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.
Buhari also underlined 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 appreciated and sustained.
Meanwhile, Buhari’s statement comes at a time when key political figures, including former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, have left the APC, citing “ideological differences and internal crises.”
El-Rufai, a close supporter of Buhari during his administration, recently defected to the Social Democratic Party.
PUNCH Online claims that El Rufai earlier revealed that he had informed Buhari before making his move.
His defection has fuelled suspicions about internal divisions within the ruling party, as well as questions about Buhari’s stance on the impending political changes.
While Buhari made no direct reference to El-Rufai, his declaration of loyalty to the APC sends a strong message amid ongoing political realignments, indicating that he remains committed to the party despite the defection of some of his former associates.
“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 has said numerous times: he is a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and wishes 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,” part of it reads.