Buhari explains absence at APC NEC meeting, reaffirms loyalty to party

By Kunle Sanni

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has explained his absence from the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, assuring party members that while he was not physically present, his spirit remained with them.

Buhari’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu, made this known in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, clarifying that the former president received a late invitation to the meeting.

Shehu added that although Buhari was unable to attend in person, he remained supportive of the party’s deliberations.

Details of the interview were published by Daily Trust on Wednesday.

“The invitation was sent on Monday and only reached him on Tuesday. Given this short notice, he couldn’t travel from Daura to Abuja, even if he had a private jet,” Shehu reportedly said.

The APC NEC meeting, held in Abuja on Wednesday, was presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and attended by key party figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, governors, and other stakeholders.

However, notable absentees included Buhari, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi.

Despite his absence, Shehu reaffirmed Buhari’s commitment to the party, stating, “Buhari is a founding member of the APC. He was nominated by the party for president twice. He remains a dedicated member, even if he could not attend the meeting.”