BREAKING: Amid His Absence at APC’s Programmes, Buhari Sends Notable Message to Ruling Party
- Former President Muhammadu Buhari has said he remains committed to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)
- Buhari, the immediate past Nigerian leader, said he is also committed to the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
- Buhari spoke Tuesday, January 16, in Abuja, during the unveiling of two books titled ‘Working with Buhari (2015 – 2023)’ and ‘Muhammadu Buhari: The Nigerian Legacy – 2015 – 2023 (Vols 1-5)’
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FCT, Abuja - Former president Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, January 16, said he remains committed to "our great party", the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Buhari also pledged his allegiance to "the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu", the 16th and incumbent president of Nigeria.
Source: Facebook
Buhari "remains committed" to APC
The immediate past leader reiterated his "abiding faith in the strength, unity and future of Nigeria".
Legit.ng reports that the ex-president made these assertions during his address at the book launch of 'Working With Buhari; Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015-2023)'. The book was authored by Femi Adesina, Buhari's former aide.
Buhari said:
"Special thanks also goes to the co-chairman of the Occasion, General I.B.M. Haruna, OFR, for his unflinching support and encouragement.
"My appreciation also goes to the book launcher, Alhaji Muhammed Indimi, OFR, for his continuous support.
"I am truly honoured and overwhelmed by those of you that have created time to be with us here today and I cannot thank you enough.
"I remain committed to our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I have abiding faith in the strength, unity and future of Nigeria.
"God bless the federal republic of Nigeria."
Legit.ng reports that since he left office in May 2023, Buhari has continually failed to attend APC events.
Expert reacts
Reacting to Buhari's pledge to the APC, Sulaimon Adigun Muse, the president of the Institute for Political Entrepreneurship and Leadership (IPEL), told Legit.ng that the former president's decision not to go the way of Messrs Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo might be a way of "showing gratitude" to the APC. Obasanjo and Jonathan are no longer into partisan politics.
Muse pointed out that Buhari pursued the presidency for 12 years before he realised his ambition through the APC.
Muse said:
"I think it is a way of showing gratitude to the APC for the way they stuck with him. Remember he contested for president like three times.
"Secondly, don't forget he just left (office) not quite long. So, it won't be easy for him to just disengage one hundred percent from partisan politics in that manner. I believe if he is also going to join other past presidents like Obasanjo and Jonathan who are no more into partisan politics, it is going to be a gradual process because he still needs to cooperate and work with the present administration.
"The Tinubu administration would still need his experience.
Shehu explains Buhari's absence at APC meeting
In August 2023, Buhari disclosed that he would not be able to attend the caucus and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings of the APC in Abuja at the time.
The ex-president, in a release issued on his behalf by his former spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, attributed his absence to earlier scheduled commitments.
Why Buhari can no longer 'escape', Tinubu
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Tinubu said Buhari can no longer escape to Niger Republic as he had promised due to the border closure.
Buhari had said he would leave for neighbouring Niger Republic after handing over as President if he is not able to get enough rest in Daura, his home town in Katsina state. However, speaking, during the launch of the books, Tinubu jokingly said his predecessor would not be able to achieve that because of the border closure.
Tinubu bends for Buhari
Meanwhile, President Tinubu and Buhari met in Abuja for the first time since May 29, 2023.
A former aide to Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, shared a 20-second clip on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle of Buhari bidding Tinubu goodbye.
In the video, President Tinubu could be seen bending for Buhari while shaking his hands.
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Source: Legit.ng
