(DDM) – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the late former President Muhammadu Buhari as a stubborn politician during the formative days of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
DDM gathered that Tinubu made the revelation on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja while receiving members of The Buhari Organisation (TBO), led by former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Tanko Al-Makura.
The President recalled that their differences almost derailed the merger process in 2013 when the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) were negotiating unity.
Tinubu disclosed that one major point of contention was the choice of the party’s symbol.
According to him, Buhari strongly insisted that the party adopt a parliamentary emblem, while he, Tinubu, firmly supported the broom.
“We disagreed to agree. We even argued about a symbol. He (Buhari) insisted on parliament, and I insisted on broom. He’s so stubborn,” Tinubu told the gathering, drawing laughter.
Despite the heated arguments, Tinubu explained that compromises were eventually reached, leading to the adoption of the broom as the APC’s official symbol.
He stressed that those negotiations showed the resilience and determination of the merger leaders to forge a united political platform despite deep-rooted ideological and cultural differences.
The APC was later registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2013, setting the stage for what became Nigeria’s most formidable opposition alliance at the time.
The merger’s success culminated in the historic defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general elections, ending its 16-year hold on power.
Tinubu noted that the sacrifices and disagreements were worth it, as the APC succeeded in reshaping Nigeria’s political map.
Present at the Tuesday meeting were Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State and former Katsina Governor Aminu Masari, both loyalists of the late Buhari.
Senator Al-Makura, who led the delegation, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to preserving Buhari’s political legacy within the APC.
Buhari, who served two terms as President after the APC’s electoral victory, died in London in July 2025 following a prolonged illness.
His death marked the end of an era for a leader who remained one of Nigeria’s most polarising yet influential politicians.
Political observers note that Tinubu’s remarks highlight the behind-the-scenes struggles that shaped the APC’s birth and eventual dominance.
They also reveal the personal relationship between Tinubu and Buhari, which was defined by sharp disagreements but ultimately mutual respect.
The story of their compromise continues to serve as a lesson in coalition politics and party building in Nigeria.
As APC prepares for future elections, the memories of those foundational struggles remain part of its identity and political narrative.
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