Former President Muhammadu Buhari has called on leaders at all levels to prioritize the well-being of the Nigerian people over personal gain, emphasizing that public service should be grounded in integrity and humility. Speaking at his Kaduna residence during a courtesy visit by governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Buhari highlighted the importance of citizen-centric leadership as a pathway to national development.
The meeting, which took place in the spirit of Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, saw Buhari welcome the delegation from the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), led by its chairman, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State. Buhari used the occasion to reaffirm his continued support for the APC and its leadership, noting his pride in the progress made since the party’s inception.
“Leadership is both a challenge and an opportunity,” the former president said. “It is only by prioritizing the welfare of the people that we can truly advance as a nation. Personal gains should never outweigh national interests.”
In a notable reflection on his integrity, Buhari stated that he left office with the same physical assets he had before assuming the presidency in 2015. His declaration served as a reiteration of his longstanding anti-corruption stance and commitment to transparent governance.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I can say with confidence that I exited the office with what I came in with,” Buhari remarked.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for renovating his Kaduna home. While acknowledging that the exterior remained largely unchanged, Buhari noted that significant improvements had been made to the interior, adding a touch of warmth to the visit.
The former President thanked the visiting governors, expressing familiarity with some of them and welcoming those he had not previously worked with.
In his remarks, Governor Uzodinma described Buhari as a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, lauding his leadership style and his contributions to both the nation and the APC.
“We are here today not just to mark Eid with you, but to convey our heartfelt gratitude and enduring respect for your immense contributions to Nigeria’s democracy,” Uzodinma said. “Your principled role in the founding of the APC continues to shape our identity and direction.”
The governor emphasized Buhari’s historical achievement in becoming the first opposition candidate to unseat an incumbent president, and hailed his peaceful transition of power as a benchmark in Nigeria’s democratic maturity.
“Your administration championed core APC principles through efforts in security, economic recovery, and anti-corruption,” Uzodinma continued. “From reclaiming territories from insurgents to implementing social investment programs and reviving infrastructure, your legacy endures.”
He further commended Buhari’s influence on agricultural development through the Anchor Borrowers Scheme and lauded his emphasis on food self-sufficiency.
Touching on the current administration, Uzodinma praised President Tinubu’s bold reforms and acknowledged Buhari’s recent public endorsement of his successor as a powerful act of unity and statesmanship.
“Today, we honour you not just for your service, but for the values you represent. We ask for your continued guidance as we strengthen progressive politics across Nigeria,” Uzodinma concluded.
The visit underscored Buhari’s enduring stature within the APC and Nigerian politics, as well as his ongoing role as a moral compass for a party seeking to redefine its future while holding firm to its foundational ideals.
