“I Am an APC Member, I Like to Be Addressed as Such” – Buhari Subtly Distances Himself from El-Rufa’i’s Defection Claim

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has reaffirmed his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC), in what is widely seen as a subtle response to former Kaduna State Governor Nasiru El-Rufa’i’s recent claim that he left the party with Buhari’s consent.

The statement, shared on X by his media aide Garba Shehu, stressed Buhari’s continued commitment to the APC without mentioning El-Rufa’i or any specific individual. “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.

He emphasized that he would never turn his back on the party that gave him the opportunity to serve two terms as president, describing that support as the highest honor of his life. He further expressed gratitude to the APC for standing by him before and during his presidency and pledged to help strengthen the party’s influence.

Buhari also praised the efforts of the APC’s founding fathers, saying their sacrifices to protect Nigeria’s constitution and democracy must be cherished and upheld.

The former president’s remarks come just days after El-Rufa’i publicly announced his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), claiming he had consulted with Buhari and received his blessing before leaving the APC. Buhari’s carefully worded message, however, appears to subtly reject any such endorsement.