Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna State governor has revealed that he got the approval of former President Muhammadu Buhari before joining the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
News Band reported that Mr. Rufai in a statement on Monday, announced his defection to the Social Democratic Party. He cited dissatisfaction with the current leadership style of the party for leaving.
He stated that developments over the past two years have shown that those managing the APC have no intention of addressing the party’s internal challenges.
While speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa service, El-Rufa’i said he had secured the consent of Muhammadu Buhari before dumping the APC for SDP.
“I left the APC with his 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 recalled how, during his stint as governor, submitted the list of his commissioner-nominees to Buhari to screen them and see if there was anyone among them who once insulted him (Buhari).
“After going through the list, he nodded his approval and offered prayers. I consult with him in all I do,” he added.
When asked if he had any political godfather, El-Rufa’i said, “I have those I consult with in everything I do. I inform them of anything I intend to do, and when they demand that I keep off, I do. My first godfather is Muhammadu Buhari. For the rest, I will not mention them because if I do, they’ll be pressured.”
Also, when asked if he had regretted supporting President Bola Tinubu, El-Rufa’i said, “I haven’t regretted it, but I have been taken by surprise. But why I don’t regret supporting him is, some Yoruba leaders from the South West had visited Kaduna and informed me that the Muslims of their region were being politically marginalised. That was the first reason I supported Tinubu.
“The second reason is this: We agreed that the 2023 presidential seat would be zoned to the Southern part of the Nigeria for fairness, balance and justice in the country.”
But following the dust raised by El-Rufai’s statement, Muhammadu Buhari has come out to reiterate his commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued by his spokesman Garba Shehu, Buhari clarified his stance without mentioning any specific individual or situation.
“Without referring to any individual, cast of characters, or issues, principles and ideals currently being discussed by Party leaders at various levels, former President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated what he’s said times without number, that he is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and would like to be addressed as a loyal member of the party,” the statement read.
Buhari expressed gratitude to the APC for supporting his presidential bids and pledged to continue promoting the party.
“I am an APC member and I like to be addressed as such. I will try to popularise the party by all means,” he said.
The former president also expressed his appreciation for the support he received throughout his presidency, which he described as the greatest honor of his political career.
He underscored the efforts of the APC’s founding members, acknowledging their sacrifices in building a party that upholds constitutional democracy.