Former President Muhammadu Buhari has dismissed speculations about his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC), reaffirming his commitment to the ruling party.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, March 13, 2025, by his former spokesperson, Garba Shehu, Buhari made it clear that he remains a loyal member of the APC and will continue to support its growth. His remarks come amid increasing political realignments and discussions of a coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu’s government in the 2027 elections.
The speculation over Buhari’s political allegiance gained traction following the defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru El-Rufai, from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on March 10. El-Rufai’s move sparked rumours that Buhari might follow suit, as the former governor claimed to have the ex-president’s backing. However, Buhari firmly dispelled these claims, stating: “I am an APC member, and I like to be addressed as such. I will try to popularise the party by all means.”
Buhari expressed deep gratitude for the platform the APC provided him, calling his tenure as Nigeria’s leader the “highest honour.” He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the party’s founding fathers and stressed the need to uphold their efforts in protecting democracy and strengthening party unity.
His reaffirmation of loyalty may temporarily quell concerns about a potential rift within the ruling party following El-Rufai’s exit, which was attributed to ideological differences and internal conflicts. While Buhari did not directly address his former ally’s departure, his strong stance signals his dedication to maintaining stability within the APC despite the shifting political landscape.
The statement concluded with a reiteration of Buhari’s firm allegiance: “Without referring to any individual, a cast of characters, or issues, the former president has reiterated time and again that he is a member of the APC and would like to be addressed as a loyal member. He wants to leave no one in doubt that he would never turn his back on the party that gave him two terms in office and would do whatever he can to popularise it.”
