I have no plans to leave the APC’, Buhari clears air after El-Rufai’s claims

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has declared his commitment and loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) following a statement on Thursday by past governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, who said he sought the approval of the former President before defecting from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

In an interview with BBC Hausa Service, El-Rufai had stated that his decision to dump the APC had the approval and consent of the former President.

“I left the APC with his knowledge. I went to him on Friday and informed him that I was leaving the party. There is nothing I do without informing him,” El-Rufai had said.

The confession by El-Rufai who has been one of Buhari’s closest ally had raised speculations on whether the ex-President would also dump the ruling party.

But in a statement late Thursday, Buhari reaffirmed his loyalty and dedication to the APC and dismissed any doubts about his political allegiance to the party.

In the statement issued by his longtime spokesman, Garba Shehu, the former President emphasised that he would never turn his back on the APC as he would like to be addressed as a loyal member of the party.

The statement noted that though Buhari acknowledges the challenges facing the party and the country as a whole, he will never turn his back on the party and will never abandon the party.

“Without referring to any individual, group, or specific issue currently being discussed by party leaders, former President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated — just as he has done many times before — that he remains a loyal member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and wishes to be addressed as such,” the statement said.

“He wants to leave no one in doubt that he would never abandon the party that gave him two terms in office and that he will do whatever he can to promote it.”

Shehu also noted that Buhari had nothing but gratitude for the APC.

“He added that, at present, he holds deep appreciation for the support the party gave him before and during his tenure as president — an honour he considers the highest — and that he would never ask for anything more.

“The efforts made by the party’s founders to establish a strong political movement that upholds our constitution and democracy as a system of government are worthy sacrifices that should be cherished and nurtured.”

While quoting the former President, Shehu said:

“I am an APC member, and I like to be addressed as such. I will try to popularise the party by all means.”