A delegation of All Progressives Congress (APC) governors on Monday paid a surprise visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Kaduna, in a move seen as a show of solidarity and a strategic response to recent defections rocking the party.
The visit was led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who doubles as the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum. The meeting, held behind closed doors, comes at a politically sensitive time as high-profile APC figures, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, have dumped the party for the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Addressing the press after the meeting, Uzodimma described Buhari as the “father of the APC” and said the visit was primarily to check on the former leader’s well-being and reaffirm the bond between him and the current leadership of the party.
“This is a courtesy call to a man who played a foundational role in building the APC into what it is today. We came to see him, to spend time with him, and to remind him that he remains an integral part of this party’s journey,” Uzodimma said.
Defections Stir Tensions, but APC Stands Firm
The Imo governor dismissed concerns over the party’s stability, insisting that the visit underscores the unity and strength of the APC, despite recent defections by Buhari-era loyalists and party members in his home state of Katsina.
El-Rufai, one of the first to leave the APC for the SDP, had claimed that he received Buhari’s blessing before making the switch. The situation has sparked speculation about cracks within the party’s inner circle, particularly among those who served under Buhari’s administration.
Reports have also suggested that several former ministers are preparing to defect to the SDP, potentially dealing a further blow to the APC ahead of future elections.
Still, Uzodimma expressed confidence in the party’s resilience. “APC remains the largest political party in Africa, and we’re proud to have 21 governors under our banner. We are not only standing strong, we’re growing stronger,” he said.
Buhari’s Continued Influence Acknowledged by Governors
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who also participated in the visit, praised Buhari for his continued support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and for staying engaged with the party.
“We’re grateful for the guidance and encouragement former President Buhari continues to offer. His support for the APC and President Tinubu remains unwavering,” Sani noted.
The timing of the visit, just after the conclusion of Ramadan, Lent, and Eid-el-Fitr festivities, was also symbolic, according to Uzodimma, signaling a renewed sense of purpose and cohesion within the party’s leadership.
Despite the defections and internal rumblings, the APC appears intent on projecting strength and unity, with Buhari still seen as a central figure in its political future.
