Former President Muhammadu Buhari has reportedly taken a neutral stance regarding the decision of some of his loyalists to exit the All Progressives Congress (APC), now led by President Bola Tinubu.
According to emerging details from a recent visit by APC governors to Buhari’s residence in Kaduna on Monday, April 7, party leaders expressed concerns over an apparent wave of defections within the party—particularly among those affiliated with the former president’s political base, the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who serves as chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, is said to have led the delegation. The meeting, held behind closed doors, included praise for Buhari’s past leadership and his contributions to national development.
According to Vanguard, the governors used the opportunity not only to pay homage during the Sallah festivities but also to seek Buhari’s intervention in halting the rumored defection of key political allies, some of whom are said to be considering a switch to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A source familiar with the discussion, who requested anonymity, revealed that the governors were troubled by the possibility of the CPC bloc abandoning the APC. Given that the CPC formed one of the largest factions within the party during its formation, such a move could significantly weaken the ruling party’s base.
The governors reportedly urged Buhari to speak directly to notable figures such as former Attorney General Abubakar Malami and former Minister of State for Education Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, persuading them to remain in the APC.
However, Buhari is said to have declined to interfere in their personal political choices, emphasizing that everyone has the right to determine their own path. He reportedly made it clear that he has always maintained a policy of non-interference when it comes to others’ political affiliations.
