In a move that some political observers are interpreting as a retaliation, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, led a delegation from the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to visit former President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Kaduna State on Friday, April 11, 2025.
This visit came just hours after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a high-powered delegation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) made a courtesy call to the ex-president in the same Kaduna location. The timing of the visits, coupled with the political context surrounding them, has sparked speculation about underlying tensions between the two major political parties.
Ganduje’s visit to Buhari, along with other members of the APC’s NWC, appears to be a strategic political maneuver aimed at asserting the party’s presence in the post-Buhari era. This action follows the PDP’s visit, which was seen as a gesture to strengthen ties with Buhari, a key figure in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The APC delegation included several influential figures from the ruling party, though the exact purpose of their visit remains unclear. Ganduje, after meeting with Buhari, did not elaborate on the content of the discussions. However, the timing of the visit—immediately following the PDP’s call—has led many to believe that it was, in part, a response to the opposition’s efforts to engage with the former president.
Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023, remains a significant figure in Nigerian politics, and his influence continues to be felt despite his departure from office. It is not uncommon for political figures to seek his counsel, and his endorsement can be valuable in a country where political allegiances often shift quickly.
Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2023 election, led a group of key party members for their own meeting with Buhari earlier on Friday. The delegation included prominent figures such as former governors Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna, Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto, Achike Udenwa of Imo, Gabriel Suswam of Benue, Jibrilla Bindow of Adamawa, as well as former ministers Abubakar Malami and Isa Pantami.
El-Rufai, speaking to the press after the meeting, highlighted that the visit was not politically motivated and urged those speculating about the nature of the visit to refrain from doing so. According to him, the purpose of the meeting was grounded in unity and brotherhood rather than political scheming. This message, however, did little to allay rumors suggesting that the PDP was seeking a potential coalition or alignment with the former president, which could have implications for future elections.
Atiku himself later addressed the visit on his social media platform, clarifying that it was simply a post-Sallah visit and not part of any covert political dealings. In his post, he humorously recounted his time with Buhari, emphasizing the cordial and light-hearted nature of their meeting, which left him in stitches from the former president’s jokes.
The APC delegation’s visit comes at a time when there is growing concern about the unity within the party. Speculation about disunity in the ruling party has been circulating for months, particularly following the defection of some of its members to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and other opposition parties. These defections have raised questions about the strength of the APC, especially with its leadership transitioning into the post-Buhari era.
Sources within the party have suggested that Ganduje’s visit could be an attempt to reaffirm the APC’s commitment to Buhari’s legacy and consolidate its position ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party has faced challenges in recent months, and maintaining solidarity among its members is seen as crucial for any future electoral success.
The APC’s internal challenges were compounded by the loss of several key members to rival parties, which has led to fears of fragmentation. The NWC’s visit to Buhari, therefore, may have been part of an effort to shore up support and prevent further defections. It remains to be seen whether this visit will help address the party’s internal divisions or whether it will be viewed as a mere show of solidarity that fails to tackle the underlying issues.
Despite stepping down as president, Buhari continues to wield significant influence within Nigerian politics. His decisions, alliances, and even public statements are closely watched, and his endorsement can sway voters and political figures alike. His influence is particularly strong within the northern region, where his political base has remained loyal even after his tenure.
The visit by both Atiku’s and Ganduje’s delegations highlights the enduring relevance of Buhari in Nigerian politics. Although he has retreated from the public spotlight, the former president is still seen as an important figure whose opinion can sway political allegiances and offer guidance to both parties.
However, the fact that the PDP felt the need to seek his approval or counsel, followed by the APC’s retaliatory move, suggests a deeper struggle for dominance and influence in the country’s political landscape. The power dynamics in Nigerian politics remain fluid, and as the 2027 general elections draw closer, the role of key figures like Buhari will become even more crucial.
The visits to Buhari by both the APC and PDP reflect the ongoing struggle for influence in Nigerian politics. With the 2027 elections on the horizon, both parties are maneuvering to position themselves as the dominant force. For the APC, the challenge will be to maintain unity and solidify its base, especially in the wake of recent defections. For the PDP, the task is to build on any potential alliances and present a united front against the ruling party.
