Former President Muhammadu Buhari did not attend the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday.
The meeting, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had top party leaders in attendance, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, governors, and members of the National Working Committee.
However, Buhari, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi were notably absent.
Garba Shehu, Buhari’s spokesperson, explained to BBC Hausa that the former president received the invitation late.
According to Shehu, the invitation was sent on Monday but only reached Buhari on Tuesday, making it difficult for him to travel from Daura to Abuja in time for the meeting.
Despite his absence, Shehu emphasized that Buhari remains a committed APC member.
He recalled that Buhari was twice nominated by the party for the presidency and remains involved in party affairs, even if he was unable to be physically present at the meeting.
He said, “President Muhammadu Buhari is not a caucus member of the party. He was supposed to attend the NEC meeting, but unfortunately the invitation to the meeting was forwarded to him on Monday and it reached him on Tuesday. For this, he could not leave Daura for Abuja even if he owns a private jet.”
He added, “Buhari is a founding member of the APC. He was nominated by the party for president twice. He is a member of the APC even though he did not attend the meeting.”
