Former President Muhammadu Buhari, told APC governors during an Eid-el-Fitr visit that he left office with the same physical assets he had before his presidency.
Buhari urged those in leadership positions to prioritise the welfare of the people over personal interests.
He made this known while receiving governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) at his residence in Kaduna. Buhari stated that he left office with the same physical assets he had before becoming president, emphasising integrity and accountability in public service.
Addressing the visiting governors, Buhari encouraged them to adopt a people-centered approach to governance, noting that leadership comes with both challenges and opportunities. According to him, striking a balance between the two is essential for national development.
He expressed confidence in the efforts of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and called for continued commitment to the country’s progress.
The former president also thanked the administration of President Bola Tinubu for renovating his Kaduna home. While the exterior remained the same, Buhari noted that significant improvements had been made inside.
He appreciated the governors for the visit, acknowledging that while he had worked with many of them, some were new faces to him.
Earlier, Chairman of the PGF and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, said the visit was to pay a courtesy call on the former president in celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, and to express deep appreciation for his contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and the strengthening of the APC.
In a statement issued by Buhari’s former media aide, Mallam Garba Shehu, Uzodinma praised Buhari’s foundational role in the formation of the APC, describing his legacy as one that continues to shape the party’s vision and direction.
“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 honour, to another APC president. For this, we are extremely grateful.
“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 a 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.
“Today, APC is being renewed and repositioned under your worthy successor, 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 honour 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.”
