Former President Muhammadu Buhari has called on members of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) to adopt a citizen-centric leadership approach, emphasizing that effective governance should balance challenges and opportunities to foster national development.
A statement issued by Buhari’s media aide, Garba Shehu on Wednesday, said the former president made the call during a meeting with the governors, where he reaffirmed his confidence in their efforts to push forward the APC’s agenda.
In his address, Buhari stated that leadership should prioritize the well-being of the people, not personal interests, pointing to his own example of leaving office with the same personal assets he had prior to becoming president.
“Leadership is both a challenge and an opportunity. It’s how you balance both that defines your legacy,” he remarked.
The former President also took a moment to express his gratitude to the Tinubu administration for renovating his home in Kaduna, acknowledging the significant internal improvements made while maintaining the building’s external appearance.
Buhari thanked the governors for their visit, noting that while he had worked closely with many of them, some were new faces to him. Imo State Governor and PGF Chairman, Hope Uzodinma, led the delegation, which was in Daura to greet Buhari in observance of Eid-el-Fitr and to express appreciation for his immense contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and the APC.
In his remarks, Governor Uzodinma praised Buhari for his pivotal role in the founding of the APC, stating, “Your legacy continues to shape the identity and direction of our party. Your public affirmation of APC as your party of choice reaffirmed your position as a pillar of our movement and has provided reassurance to party members.”
Uzodinma also highlighted Buhari’s historical significance, emphasizing his achievement as the first opposition candidate in Nigeria’s history to defeat an incumbent president. He lauded Buhari’s commitment to the party’s core principles, noting the administration’s accomplishments in security, economic recovery, and anti-corruption efforts.
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“Your administration restored territorial integrity, launched crucial social investment programs like the Conditional Cash Transfer and School Feeding Program, and revolutionized road and rail infrastructure, all of which continue to benefit the nation,” Uzodinma said.
Governor Uzodinma expressed gratitude for Buhari’s leadership, which he said had brought dignity to governance and deepened the progressive ethos of the APC. He also underscored the importance of Buhari’s endorsement of President Bola Tinubu, which he described as a powerful symbol of continuity and humility.
“Under President Tinubu, APC is undergoing bold, reform-driven renewal. Your endorsement of his leadership further strengthens our commitment to progress and continuity,” Uzodinma concluded.
The meeting marked a significant moment for the APC, as the governors pledged to continue Buhari’s work in advancing Nigeria’s democratic principles and ensuring the party remains in power for a prosperous future.