Former President Muhammadu Buhari has urged political leaders to prioritise the welfare of the people over their personal interests, emphasising the need for a more citizen-focused approach to governance.
Buhari made this remark while receiving governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress at his residence in Kaduna. The former president encouraged the governors to adopt a leadership style that centres on the needs of the populace, stating that holding public office presents both a challenge and an opportunity. He stressed that successfully balancing these elements is vital for national advancement.
He also noted that he left office with the same physical assets he had before his election as President, reinforcing his message of integrity in leadership.
“I left office with the same physical assets I had before my election,” Buhari stated, highlighting his commitment to modesty in public service.
The former president expressed satisfaction with the work of the Progressive Governors Forum and reaffirmed his confidence in their efforts to further the country’s development. He thanked the Tinubu administration for renovating his Kaduna home, remarking that while the exterior of the building remained unchanged, significant improvements had been made inside.
“I thank the Tinubu administration for renovating my home in Kaduna,” he said, adding, “the building looks the same from the outside, but a lot of work has been done inside.”
Buhari also expressed appreciation to the governors for their visit. He noted that while he had worked closely with several of them in the past, some were meeting him for the first time.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting governors, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, said the visit was intended to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with the former president and to express gratitude for his immense contributions to democracy and the strengthening of the APC.
“Our visit is to greet the former president on the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitr and convey our heartfelt expression of gratitude and enduring respect for your immense contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and strengthening our party,” Uzodimma said.
In a statement issued by Buhari’s former media aide, Mallam Garba Shehu, Uzodimma further stated: “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.”
He continued, “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, 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 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.”
