Buhari to APC govs: Adopt citizen-centric approach for Nigeria’s progress

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the members of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) to adopt a citizen-centric approach, saying leadership presents both a challenge and an opportunity and that balancing the two would significantly advance national progress.

Buhari expressed confidence in the progress being made by the governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and reiterated his call for continued dedication to the nation’s progress.

The former president said this while receiving the APC governors at his residence in Kaduna on Monday, April 7, 2025.

He also said leaders should accord importance to the welfare of the people, not themselves, offering his personal example of leaving office with the same physical assets he had before his presidency.

Buhari, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, thanked President Bola Tinubu’s administration for renovating his home in Kaduna, explaining that while the building looked very much the same externally, so much improvement was made inside.

Buhari thanked the governors for the visit, saying while he had worked with several of them, some others were new to him.

‘Our party growing stronger’: APC govs visit Buhari in Kaduna

The Chairman of the PGF and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, said the governors’ visit was to greet Buhari 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 added: “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 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 honor, to another APC president. For this, we are extremely grateful.”

The Star