Amid defections rumour, former President Muhammadu Buhari has reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC), stating that he remains a committed member and will do everything within his power to strengthen the party.
This is amidst growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a Thursday, 13 March, 2025 statement released by his former spokesperson, Garba Shehu, the former president 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 popularize the party by all means,” Buhari was quoted as saying.
Emphasizing his gratitude, the ex- president noted that he considers the opportunity to have served as Nigeria’s leader under the APC as the “highest honor” 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 underscored 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 left the APC, citing “ideological differences and internal crises.”
El-Rufai, a close ally of Buhari during his administration, recently defected to the Social Democratic Party.
His defection has fueled speculations about internal discord within the ruling party, as well as concerns over Buhari’s position on the unfolding political shifts.
While Buhari made no direct reference to El-Rufai, his assertion of loyalty to the APC sends a strong message amid ongoing political realignments, signalling that he remains steadfast with the party despite defections by some of his former associates.
“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 to the party that gave him two terms of office and would do whatever he can to popularize it,” it read partly.
