Former President Muhammadu Buhari has said he left office in 2023 with the same physical assets he had before taking the reins of leadership in 2015.
This revelation came through a statement on Wednesday from his media aide, Garba Shehu, following a courtesy visit by members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) to Buhari’s residence in Kaduna.
During the meeting, the former president urged the APC governors to adopt a leadership style centered on the people, noting that governance is both a challenge and an opportunity.
“Leadership presents both a challenge and opportunity, and that balancing the two would significantly advance national progress,” Buhari was quoted as saying.
Shehu further noted that Buhari expressed satisfaction with the direction the APC governors are taking and reiterated his belief in their commitment to the country’s advancement.
He also extended gratitude to the Tinubu administration for renovating his Kaduna home, stating that although the exterior appeared largely unchanged, there were considerable improvements inside.
Buhari appreciated the visit from the governors, mentioning that while he had previously worked with some of them, others were new acquaintances.
The Chairman of the PGF and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, spoke on behalf of the delegation.
He explained that the visit was timed to mark Eid-el-Fitr and to acknowledge Buhari’s legacy and influence on the APC and Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“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,” Uzodinma said.
“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. It reaffirmed your place as a pillar of our movement and provided reassurance to members of our party. 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.”
Uzodinma praised Buhari’s achievements during his tenure, highlighting improvements in security, infrastructure, and social investment programs.
“Your administration gave expression to our party’s core principles through your focus on security, economic recovery, and anti-corruption. Your efforts reclaimed territory from insurgents, extended social investment programs like the Conditional Cash Transfer and School Feeding Program, and ushered in road and rail revolution that is still bearing fruit. Programs such as the Anchor Borrowers Scheme directly impacted food security. You taught us to produce what we eat and eat what we produce. You brought dignity to governance and deepened the progressive ethos of our party.”
The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and reforms, linking it to the foundation laid by Buhari.
“Today, APC is being renewed and repositioned under your worthy successor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. His leadership is bold, reform-driven, and unshakably committed to progress. Your public endorsement of him in your recent birthday message was a powerful symbol of continuity and humility.”
“Your Excellency, today we honor you, not just for your past service but for the enduring values you represent. We ask you to continue to support and guide us as we take the next steps to deepen progressive politics across the nation, and ensure that APC continues to be in power for a more prosperous Nigeria,” he concluded.
