APC Governors Visit Buhari Amid Defections, Pledge Unity and Loyalty to Party Patriarch
In a high-profile show of solidarity, governors elected under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday paid a courtesy visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Daura, Kaduna State.
Led by the Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, the APC governors held a closed-door meeting with Buhari, whom they described as the “father of the party.”
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Uzodimma said the visit was meant to check on Buhari’s well-being and to express gratitude for his continued influence and guidance within the APC.
“We came to pay former President Muhammadu Buhari a courtesy visit,” Uzodimma said. “He is our father in politics and the only president the APC has produced since its formation. We are thankful to God that we met him in good health, and we had a very fruitful interaction.”
The visit comes against the backdrop of growing defections from the APC, including prominent Buhari allies such as former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, who reportedly obtained Buhari’s blessing before defecting to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Mid-March also saw reports of former ministers in Buhari’s cabinet planning to move en masse to the SDP, while in Buhari’s home state of Katsina, several APC members have already crossed over.
Despite the cracks within the ruling party, Uzodimma insisted the visit symbolized unity and renewed strength within the APC, which currently boasts 21 sitting governors across the federation.
“APC remains the largest political party in Africa and we are proud of our achievements. President Buhari expressed satisfaction with the direction of the party and the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Uzodimma said.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, also lauded Buhari for his unwavering support for the APC and President Tinubu.
“We are happy with the way President Buhari continues to support our great party and President Tinubu. His blessings remain vital to the stability of the APC,” Sani noted.
The visit, attended by several APC governors, reportedly included discussions on internal party affairs, recent defections, and strategies to solidify the party’s base ahead of future elections.
