A delegation of governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) umbrella visited former President Muhammadu Buhari at his Kaduna residence on Monday.
The team, led by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who also chairs the Progressive Governors Forum, held a private meeting with the former leader to express solidarity and appreciation.
Governor Uzodimma, speaking to reporters after the meeting, said the visit was primarily to check on the former president’s well-being. He described Buhari as the “patriarch of the APC” and noted that the gesture was a reaffirmation of loyalty to the party’s founding ideals.
“This visit is a demonstration of unity and strength within our party. President Buhari remains a symbol of integrity and leadership. We are here to show appreciation and reinforce our collective commitment to the APC,” Uzodimma said.
The visit comes amid growing internal challenges in the APC, including a wave of defections by key figures once closely aligned with Buhari. Notably, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai recently exited the party for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), claiming he had the blessing of the former president before making the move.
There have also been reports that several former ministers from Buhari’s cabinet are considering defecting to the SDP, raising questions about the ruling party’s internal cohesion. These defections have extended to Katsina, Buhari’s home state, where some APC members have already crossed over to the SDP.
Despite the turbulence, Uzodimma insisted that the APC remains solid and united. He highlighted the timing of the visit — shortly after major religious observances including Ramadan, Lent, and Eid-el-Fitr — as an opportunity for reflection, renewal, and unity.
“We paid a courtesy visit to our political father, former President Muhammadu Buhari. He remains the only APC-produced president, and it is only fitting that we continue to engage with him,” Uzodimma said. “We met him in excellent health. He expressed delight at our visit and reaffirmed his confidence in the party’s direction.”
He further noted that the APC, with 21 serving governors, remains the dominant political force in Nigeria and across Africa. “We are committed to strengthening the party and upholding the legacy that President Buhari helped build,” he added.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State also spoke during the visit, commending Buhari for his continued support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the APC.
“Our visit is not only to pay respect but also to acknowledge the guidance and backing President Buhari continues to provide for the party and the current administration. His support is deeply appreciated,” Sani said.
The visit, though symbolic, sends a strong political message as the APC grapples with internal realignments and public perceptions. It underscores an effort by the party’s leadership to maintain cohesion and reassure supporters of its stability moving forward.
