‘I’ll Never Turn My Back On APC —Ex-president Buhari Disowns El-Rufai’s Defection

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has affirmed his membership and loyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Saying that he remains a loyal member of the APC, Buhari vowed that he would never turn his back on the party.

The ex-president said this in a statement posted on X.com on Thursday by Garba Shehu, his spokesperson.

Buhari’s statement came after Nasir El-Rufai said he consulted Buhari who approved and blessed his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

In an interview with BBC Hausa, the ex-governor of Kaduna State said, “I consulted Buhari before leaving the APC. It was on a Friday when I went and met him. I hardly make any major decision without consulting him. I told him to pray for me and give me his blessings.”

However, the ex-president has restated his commitment to the ruling party, saying he would like to be addressed as a loyal ruling party member.

The statement read, “Without referring to any individual, 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 times without number that he is a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC and would like to be addressed as a loyal member of the party.

“He says he wants to leave no one in doubt that he would never turn his back on the party that gave him two terms of office and would do whatever he can to popularise it. “I am an APC member and would like to be addressed as such. I will try to popularise the party by all means.”

The ex-president expressed his gratitude for the party’s support before and during his tenure as president.

He further stated that the founding fathers’ pains to establish a strong party to protect our constitution and democracy as a system of government are worthy sacrifices that should be cherished and nurtured.