Visit to Buhari was brotherhood, not politics – El-Rufai

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has clarified that the recent visit to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna, which included several high-profile politicians, was not politically motivated.

On Friday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar led a delegation to Buhari’s residence.

The group included el-Rufai, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Communications Minister Isa Pantami, ex-Imo Governor Achike Udenwa, former Benue Governor Gabriel Suswam, and former Adamawa Governor Jibrilla Bindow.

The visit stirred political speculation, particularly as el-Rufai recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). However, el-Rufai dismissed any political motives.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:

“We joined over faithful for Jumaat prayers at the Yahaya Road Mosque and had a sumptuous lunch at the Buhari Residence.

By the way, our adversaries should not lose any sleep. It is not about politics. It is about unity and brotherhood. And since we are all politically irrelevant, we just prayed and enjoyed lunch with our mentor.”

El-Rufai also disclosed that he had informed Buhari prior to his defection from the APC, noting that the former president prayed for him after hearing his plans.

“I do not take a major decision without first consulting Buhari,” he said.

Meanwhile, Buhari reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC. In a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu, Buhari said:

“I will never turn my back on the ruling party.”