The recent visit of prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari at his Kaduna residence sparked speculation due to the diverse political affiliations of the attendees, particularly el-Rufai’s recent departure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The delegation encompassed a cross-section of Nigeria’s political landscape, featuring former governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Isa Pantami (former Communications Minister), Achike Udenwa (Imo), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), and Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa). This gathering, occurring shortly after el-Rufai’s defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), inevitably fueled conjecture regarding potential political maneuvering and realignments.
However, el-Rufai swiftly moved to dispel any political interpretations of the visit. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he characterized the gathering as a non-political event centered around shared faith and camaraderie. He emphasized the group’s attendance at Friday prayers at the Yahaya Road Mosque followed by a luncheon at Buhari’s residence. Dismissing any notion of political machinations, el-Rufai underscored the visit’s focus on unity and brotherhood. He further highlighted their purported political irrelevance, suggesting the gathering was simply a social occasion among friends and a gesture of respect to their shared mentor, Buhari. This clarification aimed to quell speculation surrounding the visit’s political implications, portraying it as a personal rather than a strategic engagement.
El-Rufai also disclosed his prior consultation with Buhari regarding his decision to leave the APC. He emphasized the importance of Buhari’s counsel in his decision-making process, revealing that he had informed the former president of his intention to defect and received his prayers in response. This disclosure served to portray el-Rufai’s move as a well-considered decision made after due consultation with a respected figure, rather than an impulsive act of political rebellion. It also subtly reinforced the narrative of a close personal relationship between the two men, transcending political differences.
In contrast to the ambiguity surrounding the visitors’ intentions, Buhari’s stance on his political allegiance remained unwavering. Through a statement issued by his media aide, Garba Shehu, Buhari reaffirmed his commitment to the APC, the party that propelled him to the presidency. His unequivocal declaration of loyalty served to counter any speculation about his potential involvement in alternative political projects. This clear statement of loyalty solidified his position within the APC and dispelled any rumors of his potential alignment with other political factions.
The visit, while ostensibly social, occurred within a complex political context. El-Rufai’s recent defection from the APC, coupled with the presence of other prominent political figures, inevitably fueled speculation about potential political realignments. Despite el-Rufai’s insistence on the non-political nature of the gathering, the timing and composition of the delegation inevitably lent itself to political interpretation. The visit could be viewed through various lenses – as a gesture of respect to a former leader, a display of political maneuvering, or simply a social gathering among individuals with shared history.
Ultimately, the true significance of the visit remains open to interpretation. While the participants emphasized the social and personal aspects of the gathering, the political backdrop and the profiles of those involved inevitably lend a political dimension to the event. The visit underscores the complex and often intertwined nature of personal relationships and political dynamics within Nigeria’s political landscape. Whether a purely social call or a veiled political maneuver, the visit serves as a reminder of the ongoing fluidity and evolving alliances within the Nigerian political sphere.
