Former President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that he left office with the same physical assets he had when he assumed the presidency on May 29, 2015.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 9, Buhari’s media aide, Garba Shehu, shared that the former president made this comment during a meeting with members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) at his residence in Kaduna.
According to Shehu, Buhari urged the governors to adopt a citizen-focused approach, emphasizing that “leadership presents both a challenge and an opportunity,” and that finding a balance between the two would significantly contribute to the nation’s progress.
Buhari expressed confidence in the achievements of the governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and reiterated the need for ongoing commitment to the country’s development.
He also thanked the Tinubu administration for refurbishing his home in Kaduna, explaining that while the exterior remained largely the same, significant improvements had been made to the interior.
Buhari expressed gratitude to the governors for their visit, acknowledging that while he had worked with many of them, some were new to him.
The Chairman of the PGF, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, said their visit was to extend Eid-el-Fitr greetings to the former president and convey their sincere appreciation for his immense contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and the strengthening of their party.
“Many of us take pride in recalling the principled role you played in the founding of the APC. That legacy continues to shape the party’s identity and direction. We were especially gratified a few weeks ago when you publicly reaffirmed that the APC remains your party of choice. Your declaration could not have come at a better time—it reaffirmed your status as a pillar of our movement and reassured our party members,” Uzodinma said.
He added, “You are a true pan-Nigerian, and your legacy in Nigerian history is secure. You remain the only opposition candidate in our history to have defeated an incumbent. Not only did you win power, but you governed with steadfast resolve and handed over to another APC president with honor. For this, we are deeply grateful.
“Your administration brought the core principles of our party to life, focusing on security, economic recovery, and anti-corruption. Your efforts reclaimed territory from insurgents, extended social investment programs like Conditional Cash Transfers and the School Feeding Program, and launched a road and rail revolution that continues to bear fruit. Initiatives such as the Anchor Borrowers Scheme directly impacted food security, and your message to ‘produce what we eat and eat what we produce’ resonates deeply.
“You brought dignity to governance and strengthened the progressive values of our party. Today, the APC is being revitalized under your capable successor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His leadership is bold, reform-driven, and unwavering in its commitment to progress. Your recent endorsement of him in your birthday message was a powerful symbol of continuity and humility.
“Today, we honor you not only for your past service but for the enduring values you represent. We ask for your continued guidance as we take the next steps to advance progressive politics across the nation, ensuring that the APC remains in power for a more prosperous Nigeria,” Uzodinma concluded.