Buhari Distances Self from El-rufai’s Claims, Reaffirms Loyalty to APC

By Eshioromeh Sebastian, Abuja

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has reaffirmed his allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasizing his continued dedication to the party and expressing his desire to be acknowledged as a loyal member.

This statement followed closely on the heels of remarks made by Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, in an interview with BBC Hausa, where he indicated that Buhari had endorsed his decision to depart from the APC and join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Earlier in the week, El-Rufai publicly announced his move to the SDP, urging his supporters and others concerned about the nation’s future to follow him to the new party.

In his BBC Hausa interview broadcast on Thursday, El-Rufai revealed that he consistently seeks Buhari’s counsel before making significant political decisions.

“There are certain people that before I do any major thing or make any decision I consult and anything they ask me not to do, I don’t do, and former President Muhammadu Buhari is among them,” el-Rufai said in Hausa.

“I consulted Buhari before leaving the APC. It was on a Friday when I went and met him. I hardly make any major decision without consulting him.

“I told him to pray for me and give me his blessings which he did.

“Even when I was governor of Kaduna, before I appointed my commissioners, I took the list to Buhari for cross-checking to see if from among them someone ever insulted him.

In a prompt rebuttal to El-Rufai’s comments, Buhari, through a statement released by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, reiterated his firmed commitment to the APC. He emphasised that the party remains the platform that facilitated his two-term presidency and his continued allegiance to its ideals and objectives.

Without referencing any individuals, groups, or ongoing debates within the party, Buhari reiterated his long-standing position, saying, “I am an APC member, and I like to be addressed as such. I will try to popularize the party by all means.”

The former president expressed profound gratitude for the support he received from the APC before and during his presidency, describing it as the highest honor of his political career.

He vowed never to turn his back on the party, stating, “I want to leave no one in doubt that I would never abandon the party that gave me the opportunity to serve Nigeria for two terms.”

Buhari also paid tribute to the founding fathers of the APC, acknowledging their sacrifices in establishing a strong political party dedicated to upholding Nigeria’s constitution and safeguarding its democracy. He described these efforts as “worthy sacrifices that should be cherished and nurtured for future generations.”

The statement, signed by his former spokesperson, Garba Shehu, comes amid Elrufai’s recent statement that Buhari blessed his exit from the APC.

El-Rufai has come under sever criticism since his departure from the APC, particularly due to his repeated critiques of the party. He has accused the APC of straying from the principles of its founding members, labeling it as a transactional political entity dominated by what he refers to as “Lagos Boys.” Additionally, he has claimed that the party fails to recognise and reward its loyal members, instead favouring strange fellows who he alleges contributed little or nothing to its development.

El-Rufai served as the Governor of Kaduna State under the APC for eight years, coinciding with former President Buhari’s tenure. Last year, he was nominated by President Tinubu for a ministerial position, but his nomination was withdrawn during the Senate screening process, on the ground of security concerns.