Concerns over the potential exit of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc from the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been amplified following a recent meeting between former President Muhammadu Buhari and APC governors.
The visit, which took place on Monday in Kaduna, was initially perceived as a routine courtesy call but has since sparked speculation about its deeper purpose.
It was gathered that the governors reportedly sought Buhari’s intervention to halt defections from the party, particularly by key members of the CPC bloc.
The governors’ appeal reportedly arose from growing concerns about potential defections ahead of the 2027 general elections. The defunct CPC, a key bloc within APC, remains highly influential, with Buhari regarded as its central figure.
There are fears within APC that the exit of this bloc could spell disaster for the party on a national scale.
The Monday meeting took place amid a wave of defections by Buhari’s allies from APC to SDP. Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai was the first to publicly announce his departure, claiming he had secured Buhari’s blessing before leaving the party.
Several former ministers who served in Buhari’s cabinet are also reportedly finalising plans to join the SDP, and in Buhari’s home state of Katsina, numerous APC members have already defected to the SDP.
The CPC, founded in 2009, merged in February 2013 with the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) to form what is now known as the APC.
A source told Daily Trust that the governors feared Buhari’s enduring cult-like followership in the North could become a major liability for APC if he backs his CPC associates. His bloc vote, they feared, could be catastrophic for the party in 2027.
It was gathered that the governors specifically urged Buhari to dissuade his CPC associates from leaving APC. However, the former president reportedly declined to make any such commitment. While reaffirming his loyalty to APC, he insisted that others must be allowed to make their own political choices – a principle he said he has upheld throughout his political career.
This stance aligned with a statement issued after El-Rufai’s defection to SDP, where El-Rufai claimed he had informed Buhari beforehand.
“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 said time and again in the past: that he is a member of APC and would like to be addressed as a loyal member of the party,” a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu, read in part.
Buhari also said he wanted to leave no doubt about his continued allegiance to the party that gave him two terms in office, pledging to do whatever he could to promote it.
“I am an APC member, and I like to be addressed as such. I will try to popularise the party by all means,” he said.
He further noted that the sacrifices made by the founding fathers to establish a strong party committed to constitutional governance and democracy should be preserved.
El-Rufai’s defection, along with his claim that he informed Buhari beforehand, fuelled speculation about a mass defection of the entire CPC bloc within APC, raising concerns about the party’s future.
Consequently, the APC governors’ visit to Buhari was seen as timely, as the party grapples with internal strife and external pressures ahead of the 2027 elections. The APC has been battling internal disputes, including disagreements over the selection process for the party’s presidential candidate.
In 2022, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) adopted indirect primaries for choosing its presidential candidate, rejecting a consensus arrangement. This decision was particularly unpopular among members of the CPC bloc, to which Buhari belonged before the formation of APC on 6 February 2013.
The potential defections of key figures like Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, Abubakar Malami, and others could further weaken APC, especially if they defect to another party. This possibility is believed to have prompted the governors’ urgent outreach to Buhari.
Buhari’s decision to stay out of the matter may be viewed as consistent with his longstanding position on individual political freedom. However, it also underscores the uncertainty surrounding APC’s future as it navigates these internal challenges.
Buhari reiterates commitment to APC, urges govs to prioritise citizens welfare
But in a statement issued on Wednesday by his media adviser, Garba Shehu, Buhari reiterated his commitment to the ruling party and urged governors to prioritise the welfare of citizens over personal interests, emphasising that leadership should be about service to the people.
Shehu quoted Buhari as telling the governors to “Adopt a citizen-centric approach,” noting that leadership presents both a challenge and an opportunity, and that balancing the two would significantly advance national progress.
“He also said leaders should prioritise the welfare of the people, not their own interests, offering his personal example of leaving office with the same physical assets he had before his presidency,” the statement read.
Buhari had earlier revealed in January that he sustains himself financially through rental income from one of his two properties in Kaduna State, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in public office. He made this disclosure at an All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus meeting on January 25 at the Presidential Banquet Hall in Katsina State’s Government House.
He stated that he owns only three houses: one in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, and two in Kaduna State. He added that one of the properties in Kaduna is rented out, and the income generated covers his daily living expenses.
Buhari, who has since moved into one of his Kaduna properties, thanked the Tinubu administration for renovating the home, adding that while the building appears largely the same externally, significant improvements have been done inside.
The former president also expressed confidence in the progress being made by APC governors and reiterated his call for continued dedication to the nation’s development. He thanked the governors for the visit, noting that while he had worked with several of them, some were new to him.
What the govs said after the meeting
Following the closed-door meeting with Buhari, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who chairs the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), emphasised that the visit demonstrated the strength and unity of APC.
He explained that it was a timely gesture following the conclusion of Ramadan and the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, highlighting the importance of honouring the former president, who served two terms under the ruling party.
Uzodinma described Buhari as a father figure in Nigerian politics and expressed happiness at seeing him in good health and high spirits. He praised Buhari for his leadership, noting that his efforts had laid the groundwork for APC’s continued dominance in Nigeria’s political arena.
“This visit symbolises respect, loyalty and continued appreciation for the statesmanship, leadership, and legacy of President Muhammadu Buhari,” Uzodinma stated. “As a party, we remain united and committed to the ideals of good governance which he championed during his tenure.”
He assured that APC remains Nigeria’s largest and most formidable political force and is well-positioned to maintain its strength ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to Garba Shehu, Uzodinma also appealed to Buhari not to relent in supporting the party.
“We ask you to continue to support and guide us as we take the next steps to deepen progressive politics across the nation and ensure that APC continues to be in power for a more prosperous Nigeria,” Uzodinma was quoted as saying. (Daily Trust)
