Twenty-one governors from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) paid a visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his newly renovated residence in Kaduna, urging him to remain loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sources revealed to LEADERSHIP that the governors sought Buhari’s assurance against backing a rival alliance led by prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and Peter Obi. “The APC governors pleaded with Buhari to stand by Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, especially as the opposition gains traction with some of Buhari’s former allies joining their ranks,” a source explained.
“The governors came to plead with Buhari to throw his weight behind Tinubu’s re-election. There’s growing anxiety in the APC about the momentum behind the opposition alliance, especially with some of Buhari’s close allies drifting toward it,” an insider revealed.
It’s worth noting that El-Rufai, once a staunch Buhari loyalist, recently defected from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) with what he described as Buhari’s blessings. However, Buhari reaffirming his commitment to the APC.
After the meeting, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, told reporters, “We paid a courtesy visit to our political father. He remains a pillar of strength in our party, and he is pleased with our efforts and unity.”
Describing the APC as the largest political party in Africa, Uzodimma emphasized the governors’ commitment to fortifying the party ahead of future political challenges.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani echoed similar sentiments, expressing gratitude for Buhari’s continued support for both Tinubu and the APC.
It was further gathered that the governors urged Buhari to intervene in internal party dynamics, especially with concerns about elements from the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) contemplating a move to the new coalition. Plans are reportedly underway to initiate dialogue between these CPC-aligned members and President Tinubu to address grievances and prevent further defections.
