- By Halimah Olamide
In the midst of defections and possible defections from the ruling All Progressive Congress by politicians loyal to him and those who served under his administration, former President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said he remains in the party.
Buhari, a retired military general was voted into power as civilian president in 2015 on the platform of the APC.
His statement a copy of which the NPO Reports saw Thursday evening via a post his media aide, Garba Shehu, said he remains a card carrying member of the ruling party.
Saying he likes to continue to be addressed as a member of the party, Buhari said his declaration was “Without referring to any individual, a cast of characters, or issues, principles and ideals currently being discussed by party leaders at various levels.”
The former President broke his silence the same day reports had it that former Governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, said he carried Buhari along in his defection to the Social Democratic Party.
El-Rufai had few days ago declared his decision to join the SDP, one of the parties that fielded candidates in the last general elections.
Garba Shehu’s statement added that the former president, Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated what he said times without number that he is member of the All Progressives Congress, APC and would like to be addressed as a loyal member of the party.
He aded, “He says he wants to leave no one in doubt that he would never turn his back to the party that gave him two terms of office and would do whatever he can to popularize it.
“I am an APC member and I like to be addressed as such. I will try to popularise the party by all means.” He went on to add that at present, he has nothing but gratitude for the support that the party gave him before and during his tenure as president, which he considers as the highest honor, and would never ask for anything more. He further stated that the pains taken by the founding fathers to establish a strong party to protect our constitution, and democracy as a system of government are worthy sacrifices that should be cherished and nurtured.”
Apart from El-Rufai, others being touted to be on their ways out of the ruling APC include former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, his Justice Ministry counterpart, Abubakar Mallami, and a host of others.
Buhari’s statement, analysts believe has the capacity to douse fears among APC members who may be at crossroads over the fate of the party.