KEY POINTS

• Buhari reaffirms his loyalty to APC, dismissing speculation about defection.
• He expresses gratitude for the party’s support throughout his presidency.
• His statement comes amid opposition coalition talks ahead of the 2027 elections.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has reaffirmed his commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that he remains a loyal member and will continue to support the ruling party.

Buhari made this known through a statement posted by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

His comments came amid growing discussions about a potential coalition involving opposition politicians and defectors ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

There has been speculation following Malam Nasir El-Rufai’s defection from APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, claimed he consulted Buhari before leaving the APC and received his blessing.

However, Buhari has now distanced himself from such claims, making it clear that he remains firmly aligned with the APC.

Buhari dismisses defection rumors

Without directly addressing El-Rufai or any other individuals, Buhari stated that he has no intention of leaving the APC.

According to Vanguard, his statement emphasized that the party provided him with the platform to serve as Nigeria’s president for two terms, and he would not turn his back on it.

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

The former president also expressed his appreciation for the support he received from APC members before and during his presidency, noting that he remains committed to upholding the party’s principles.

He further stressed that APC’s founding fathers worked hard to establish a strong party that upholds constitutional democracy, adding that their sacrifices must be protected and nurtured.

Calls for unity ahead of 2027 elections

Buhari’s statement comes as Nigeria’s political landscape shifts ahead of the 2027 elections. With defections and coalition talks among opposition figures, the political climate remains uncertain.

The former president’s remarks appear to be an effort to reaffirm APC’s stability and discourage further defections from party members.

While he did not mention any names, his statement suggests that he wants unity within the ruling party as it prepares for the next election cycle.

As speculation continues over potential alliances and political maneuvering, Buhari’s firm stance signals that he intends to remain active in APC affairs and promote the party’s growth.

With 2027 approaching, the question remains—will Buhari’s support help APC maintain its dominance, or will opposition forces pose a serious challenge?