Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s absence from the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on February 26, 2025, sparked curiosity and speculation. But now, the mystery has been solved, thanks to his spokesperson, Malam Garba Shehu. Here’s the full story behind Buhari’s no-show and what it means for his relationship with the ruling party.
The High-Profile Gathering
The APC NEC meeting was a star-studded event, bringing together the who’s who of Nigerian politics. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presided over the gathering, with Vice President Kashim Shettima, governors, National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) in attendance. It was a meeting meant to strategize and solidify the party’s future.
However, three notable figures were missing: former President Buhari, ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi. Their absence raised eyebrows, but it was Buhari’s no-show that stole the headlines.
The Reason Behind Buhari’s Absence
So, why wasn’t Buhari there? According to his spokesperson, Malam Garba Shehu, it all came down to timing. Buhari, who currently resides in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, received the invitation to the meeting just one day before the event.
Shehu explained, “President Muhammadu Buhari is not a caucus member of the party. He was supposed to attend the NEC meeting, but unfortunately, the invitation reached him only a day before the event. Even if he owned a private jet, he could not have made it in time.”
In other words, it was a classic case of too little, too late. The short notice made it practically impossible for Buhari to travel the nearly 800 kilometers from Daura to Abuja in time for the meeting.
Buhari’s Commitment to the APC Remains Strong
Despite his physical absence, Shehu was quick to emphasize that Buhari’s spirit was very much present at the meeting. “Buhari may not have been physically present, but his spirit was with the attendees. He is and will always be a dedicated member of the APC,” Shehu stated.
This sentiment is backed by Buhari’s history with the party. As a founding member and two-time presidential candidate under the APC banner, Buhari’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the party’s rise to power. His absence from this meeting doesn’t diminish his contributions or his ongoing commitment to the APC’s success.
What This Means for the APC
Buhari’s absence highlights the importance of effective communication and planning within political parties. Last-minute invitations can lead to logistical challenges, especially for key figures who live far from the capital.
While Buhari’s no-show might have been disappointing for some, it’s clear that his heart remains with the APC. The party’s leadership will likely take this as a lesson to ensure better coordination for future events.
Key Takeaways
Buhari missed the APC NEC meeting due to a last-minute invitation.
His spokesperson clarified that traveling from Daura to Abuja on such short notice was impossible.
Despite his absence, Buhari remains a committed member of the APC.
The incident underscores the need for better planning and communication within the party.
