I have not joined SDP as I’m still a dedicated member of APC— Buhari laments
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that he remains a dedicated member and will work to strengthen the party.
Amid shifting political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections, Buhari made his stance clear in a statement released on Wednesday by his former spokesperson, Garba Shehu.
He emphasized that he has no intention of leaving the APC, which provided him with the platform to serve as Nigeria’s leader 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.
Expressing his appreciation for the party’s support, he described his presidency under the APC as the “highest honor” of his career, adding that he seeks nothing more from the party beyond its continued growth and success.
“At present, I have nothing but gratitude for the support that the party gave me before and during my tenure as president,” he stated.
Buhari also acknowledged the sacrifices of the APC’s founding fathers, stressing the importance of preserving the party’s core values in protecting democracy and upholding the constitution.
His statement comes at a time when several key political figures, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, have left the APC due to ideological disagreements and internal crises.
El-Rufai, a close ally of Buhari during his presidency, recently defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), a move that has fueled speculation about internal tensions within the ruling party.
He had previously disclosed that he informed Buhari before making his decision.
While Buhari did not directly address El-Rufai’s defection, his firm declaration of loyalty to the APC appears to send a strong message amid ongoing political realignments.
“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 has said time and again, that he is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and would like to be addressed as a loyal member of the party,” the statement read in part.
Buhari further emphasized that he would never turn his back on the party that brought him to power and remains committed to ensuring its continued prominence in Nigeria.
