Former President Muhammadu Buhari has indirectly distanced himself from the recent comments made by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, regarding his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
El-Rufai, in an interview with BBC Hausa, had claimed that he consulted Buhari before leaving the APC and that the former president gave him his blessings.
The former governor, who formally joined the SDP on Tuesday, had said he does not make major political moves without seeking Buhari’s counsel.
His comments fueled speculation that more key figures from the Buhari administration might also defect to form a coalition against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on Wednesday, Buhari reiterated his commitment to the APC.
The statement, shared on the former president’s official X account, did not directly reference el-Rufai or his claims but made clear Buhari’s stance on his political allegiance.
“I am an APC member and I like to be addressed as such. I will try to popularise the party by all means,” Buhari was quoted as saying in the statement.
He further expressed gratitude for the support he received from the APC throughout his presidency, stating that he considers it the highest honour and would never turn his back on the party that gave him two terms in office.
Buhari recalled the sacrifices made by the founding fathers of the APC, saying those efforts should be cherished and nurtured rather than abandoned.
El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, cited irreconcilable differences with the APC leadership and the party’s alleged deviation from its founding principles among his reasons for dumping the party.
He also promised to work towards uniting opposition parties against the APC in the 2027 elections.
