The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on Friday, April 12, led members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to pay a courtesy visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Daura, Kaduna State.
The visit, described by party insiders as strategic and symbolic, was part of efforts to strengthen internal party unity and acknowledge Buhari’s continuing influence within the APC. The meeting was held behind closed doors, but images released to the press showed a cordial atmosphere as Ganduje and his delegation interacted with the former president.
Ganduje, who assumed the role of APC National Chairman in 2023, was accompanied by several key members of the NWC. The delegation reportedly used the occasion to brief Buhari on current developments within the party and to seek his counsel on the way forward, especially ahead of future electoral cycles.
Photographs from the visit showed the party leaders seated in a living room with Buhari, who appeared relaxed and engaged in discussions with his guests. The former president, who completed his tenure in May 2023, has largely maintained a low profile since leaving office, spending most of his time in his hometown.
Though no official statement was issued immediately after the visit, sources close to the APC leadership said the discussion centered around party cohesion, national unity, and the need for elder statesmen like Buhari to continue playing advisory roles in guiding the party through its challenges.
The visit comes at a time when the APC is navigating internal disagreements and calls for reforms in its leadership structure and operations. Ganduje, a former governor of Kano State, has faced some criticism from within the party, particularly regarding his leadership style and perceived alliances. However, the Kaduna visit is being viewed as an attempt to project stability and reaffirm ties with influential figures in the party.
Political observers note that Buhari remains a key figure in Nigerian politics, particularly within the APC, where his endorsement or opinion still carries significant weight. Although he has repeatedly stated his intention to retire from active politics, visits like this underline the enduring relevance of his legacy among current party leaders.
The APC, which holds the majority at the federal level under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been engaged in efforts to consolidate power and prepare for upcoming gubernatorial and local government elections across several states. Party leaders have emphasized unity and discipline as central themes in meetings and engagements in recent months.
This visit also follows a series of consultations by Ganduje with other senior party stakeholders across Nigeria. The chairman has made similar courtesy visits to past leaders and founding members of the APC, as part of what party officials describe as “ongoing reconciliation and re-engagement efforts.”
The Ganduje-led NWC has been vocal about its plans to reform party operations, expand grassroots engagement, and strengthen internal democratic structures. These initiatives are reportedly aimed at addressing grievances from party members and preventing future electoral setbacks.
In Kaduna, the reception of the APC delegation by Buhari was seen as a sign of solidarity and mutual respect between current and former leaders of the party. It is expected that Buhari’s inputs from the meeting will be considered in ongoing policy discussions and strategic decisions within the APC.
As the ruling party continues to evolve under new leadership, visits like this are likely to remain a key feature in maintaining internal cohesion and aligning the party’s direction with its foundational values. The visit to Buhari, a founding figure of the APC and two-term president, reinforces the role of party elders in shaping its future trajectory.
