Governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) banner on Monday paid a visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his Daura residence in Kaduna State, amid growing concerns over defections by his loyalists to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The delegation, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who chairs the APC Governors Forum, was initially believed to be on a Sallah courtesy call. However, sources familiar with the meeting revealed it was a strategic effort to persuade Buhari to intervene in stemming further defections from the party he helped build.
During the closed-door session, the governors reportedly commended Buhari for the foundational strides he made during his time in office, which they described as pivotal to Nigeria’s ongoing development. Yet, the heart of the meeting, insiders say, focused on the internal challenges threatening the APC’s stability ahead of the 2027 general election.
Key among the concerns raised was the departure of some prominent figures who trace their political roots to the now-defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC)—a bloc within the APC closely associated with Buhari. One such figure is former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, who recently dumped the APC for the SDP, claiming he had Buhari’s blessing.
The governors reportedly urged the former president to use his influence to dissuade others—including former Attorney General Abubakar Malami and ex-Minister of State for Education Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba—from following suit.
However, a source privy to the meeting disclosed that Buhari declined to intervene, maintaining that individuals must be allowed to decide their political paths.
“He emphasized that personal choice has always guided his political philosophy and that he cannot dictate affiliations,” the source said.
READ ALSO: PHOTOS: APC Govs Visit Buhari in Kaduna, Hail His Leadership Legacy
Buhari’s neutral stance, though consistent with his past conduct, has fueled speculation about more defections in the coming months—potentially weakening the party’s CPC bloc, which remains a significant force within the APC coalition.
The latest developments come amid unresolved tensions within the APC over its internal decision-making processes, particularly the controversial selection method used during the last presidential primaries. The rejection of a consensus arrangement in 2022, which many CPC loyalists favoured, reportedly widened internal rifts.
As some APC members in Buhari’s home state of Katsina have already joined the SDP, and with former ministers said to be finalizing plans to follow suit, party leaders are scrambling to prevent a full-scale exodus.
The outcome of the Kaduna visit remains unclear, but analysts suggest the APC faces a crucial test of unity as 2027 approaches. Whether Buhari’s hands-off approach will calm or worsen the internal storm is yet to be seen.