Seven (7) Reasons Why APC Governors’ Visit to Buhari Amid Defections Is Politically Significant in Nigeria

INTRO: The recent visit of All Progressives Congress (APC) governors to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna has stirred political curiosity across Nigeria. Led by the Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, the visit came at a time when defections from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) are increasing—raising questions about the motive and timing. 

Here are seven (7) reasons why this visit is politically significant:

1. Reinforcing Party Unity Amid Defections: The backdrop of the visit includes notable defections—such as former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai—who claimed to have Buhari’s blessing to join the SDP. The APC governors went to see Buhari aiming to present a united front, countering the narrative of a party in disarray and reassuring supporters of continued internal cohesion.

2. Buhari's Symbolic Power as Party Patriarch: Though no longer in office, Muhammadu Buhari remains the only former president produced by the APC. Referring to him as the “father of the party,” the governors pay homage signaling respect for his enduring influence and seeks to leverage his symbolic capital to stabilize the party in uncertain times.

3. Shoring Up Buhari’s Loyalty and Influence: The governors may have also sought to secure Buhari’s reaffirmed loyalty to President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the APC as a whole. By publicly associating him with party unity, the governors called in on Buhari aiming to dissuade further defections by former loyalists who might be contemplating a shift to other platforms.

4. Reassuring APC Base in Northern Nigeria: Buhari still commands significant loyalty in northern Nigeria, particularly in his home state, Katsina, where defections have also occurred. The governors paid a visit to Buhari signaling to the northern electorate that the APC remains strong and united and that Buhari’s legacy within the party is intact and respected.

5. Political Optics Ahead of 2027 Elections: Though 2027 may seem distant, political calculations are already in motion. With cracks appearing in the ruling party, the governors paid a courtesy call to Buhari. thus serving as a strategic image-management move, showing the public that the governors are proactive in addressing challenges and consulting elder statesmen.

6. Countering El-Rufai’s Narrative: El-Rufai’s claim of Buhari’s approval for his defection poses a reputational threat to the party. The APC governors popped in on Buhari to act as a soft rebuttal—implying that Buhari is still very much with the APC, healthy, and in alignment with the current leadership, thereby discrediting suggestions that he has turned his back on the party.

7. Solidifying Buhari’s Public Support for Tinubu: The APC Governors saw Buhari to strengthen his support to Tinubu. Little wonder, Kaduna Governor, Uba Sani assures that Buhari continues to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party’s national structure. This message was crucial to reaffirm Buhari's endorsement of the current administration, reinforcing legitimacy and continuity.