Former President Muhammadu Buhari has advised the members of the Progressive Governors Forum to accord importance to the welfare of the people, not themselves.
Buhari offered the governors “his personal example of leaving office with the same physical assets he had before his presidency.”
According to a statement on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari gave the advice when governors elected on the All Progressives Congress platform paid him a visit at his Kaduna home on Monday.
The statement was titled ‘At a meeting with APC governors, ex-President Buhari calls for citizen-centric approach.’
The statement quoted Buhari as calling for a citizen-centric approach, saying leadership presents both challenges and opportunities that, when balanced, would ensure national progress.
“The former president expressed confidence in the progress made by the governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress and reiterated his call for continued dedication to the nation’s progress.
“He also said leaders should accord importance to the welfare of the people, not themselves, offering his personal example of leaving office with the same physical assets he had before his presidency,” the statement read in part.
Buhari thanked the Tinubu administration for renovating his home in Kaduna, explaining that while the building looked very much the same externally, so much improvement was made inside.
He expressed gratitude to the governors for the visit, saying that while he had worked with several of them, others were new to him.
The visit comes barely one month after the defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the Social Democratic Party.
In a BBC Hausa interview in early March, El-Rufai revealed that he jumped ship after securing Buhari’s blessing.
“I left the APC with his (Buhari’s) full knowledge. I visited him on a Friday and informed him of my decision to leave the party, because I involve and consult with him on all my matters,” he revealed.
However, Buhari debunked ensuing notions that he was working against the party, stating that he would never abandon a party that gave him the platform to serve as Nigeria’s leader for two consecutive terms.
“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, 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 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 popularise it.
“I am an APC member and I like to be addressed as such. I will try to popularise the party by all means,” said the ex-president.
At the Kaduna meeting, the Chairman of the PGF, Imo state Governor Hope Uzodinma, said that they were visiting to greet the former president on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr and “convey our heartfelt expression of gratitude and enduring respect for your immense contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and strengthening our party.”
Uzodinma continued, “Many of us recall with pride the principled role you played in the founding of the APC. That legacy continues to shape our party’s identity direction.
“We are especially gratified, only a few weeks ago, to hear your public affirmation that the APC remains your party of choice. That declaration could not have come at a better time.”
The Imo Governor said the declaration reaffirmed Buhari’s place as a “pillar of our movement” and reassured party members.
“Mr President, you are pan-Nigerian. Your Excellency, your legacy in Nigerian history is secure. You remain the only opposition candidate in our nation’s history to have defeated an incumbent.
“You did not only win power, you governed with calm resolve and handed over, with honor, to another APC president. For this, we are extremely grateful.
“Your administration gave expression to our party’s core principles through your focus on security, economic recovery, and anti-corruption,” he declared.
Governor Uzodinma praised former President Buhari for reclaiming territory from insurgents and expanding social investment programs, including the Conditional Cash Transfer and School Feeding Program.
He pointed out that the infrastructure revolution in road and rail initiated under Buhari continues to yield positive results. He also highlighted the Anchor Borrowers Scheme as a direct boost to food security, noting that Buhari encouraged citizens to produce and consume locally.
Uzodinma commended Buhari for upholding dignity in governance and strengthening the progressive ethos of the All Progressives Congress.
He further noted that the party is now being renewed under President Bola Tinubu, describing Tinubu’s leadership as bold, reform-focused, and firmly committed to progress.
Uzodinma referred to Buhari’s public endorsement of Tinubu in a recent birthday message as a powerful demonstration of continuity and humility.
