APC Governors Pay Homage to Buhari in Kaduna
On April 7, 2025, a delegation of All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, visited former President Muhammadu Buhari at his Kaduna residence to pay homage and reaffirm party unity. The governors, under the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), hailed Buhari as a unifying figure and praised his enduring legacy, insisting the APC remains Nigeria’s strongest political force ahead of 2027. With defections swirling and national crises mounting, the visit underscores Buhari’s influence as Tinubu’s administration navigates turbulent times.
Solidarity on Display: Governors Rally Around Buhari
Uzodinma, PGF chairman, spoke to journalists after a closed-door meeting, calling the visit a “demonstration of solidarity” post-Ramadan and Eid-el-Fitr. “Buhari is our father in politics—we’re pleased to find him in good health,” he said, per Vanguard. The delegation, including Kaduna’s Uba Sani, Gombe’s Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, and Kwara’s AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, updated Buhari on party affairs, crediting his eight-year tenure (2015-2023) for APC’s cohesion. Sani added, “Not just politicians, but ordinary citizens pay homage here,” per Daily Trust, framing Buhari as a statesman beyond party lines.
Party Strength Touted: APC Eyes 2027
The governors doubled down on APC’s dominance. “We’re the largest party in Africa, with 21 governors,” Uzodinma boasted, per Leadership, insisting stability will carry them past 2027. Buhari, the APC’s first president, was lauded for building a “cohesive machinery” that secured Tinubu’s 2023 victory. Yet, the visit comes amid defections—ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai and Buhari loyalists recently joined the SDP, per Legit.ng. Uzodinma brushed this off, telling TheCable, “Our party’s growing stronger,” signaling confidence despite internal tremors.
Buhari’s New Digs: A Renovated Retreat
A side note stole some spotlight: Buhari thanked Tinubu’s administration for renovating his Kaduna home, per posts on X. “It looks the same outside, but inside, it’s transformed,” he reportedly said, per @DavidsOffor. The gesture, tied to his April 9 call for “people-centered leadership” during the governors’ visit, per Daily Post, hints at his continued sway. The meeting also touched on national development, with Buhari urging governors to prioritize welfare—a subtle nod to ongoing protests over fuel prices and insecurity.
Mixed Signals: Unity or Damage Control?
Public reaction split fast. On X, #APCGovsVisit neared 50,000 posts by April 10, 4 AM PDT, with @Africa_lix cheering “APC’s unbreakable!” while @NaijaRealist quipped, “Visiting Buhari won’t fix the naira.” Analyst Dr. Chidi Okoye told Punch, “It’s a show of strength, but defections signal cracks.” Kaduna’s hosting—amid El-Rufai’s exit—fueled speculation of damage control, yet Sani countered, “Buhari’s support for Tinubu is unwavering,” per Leadership. The visit’s timing, with Boko Haram resurging and tariffs biting, tests APC’s narrative.
Tinubu’s Shadow: Legacy Meets Reality
Buhari’s Kaduna sit-down casts him as elder statesman while spotlighting Tinubu’s challenges. Governors like Ebonyi’s Francis Nwifuru and Kogi’s Usman Ododo lauded Buhari’s infrastructure and anti-corruption legacy, per Naija247news, but Nigeria’s pulse—3,641 abductions in 2024 (ACLED) and N950/litre fuel—looms large. “We’re united under Tinubu,” Uzodinma insisted, per The Guardian, yet Peter Obi’s collapse warning and PDP’s Rivers push suggest a fractious road to 2027. For now, Buhari’s homestead remains APC’s symbolic anchor.
