Garba Shehu Quashes Rumors of Rift Between Buhari and Tinubu

In a recent appearance on Trust TV’s 30 Minutes, Garba Shehu, former presidential spokesperson, strongly refuted circulating rumors suggesting a growing division between former President Muhammadu Buhari and his successor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Shehu emphasized that both leaders remain firmly united under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC), dispelling concerns of political friction within the party’s upper ranks.

Amid ongoing public discourse and speculative commentary about an alleged strain in the relationship between the two influential leaders, Shehu maintained that there has been no formal disagreement or personal fallout. According to him, any perception of discord is being blown out of proportion and does not reflect the true nature of their political alignment.

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During the Monday interview, Shehu made it clear that Buhari has unwavering loyalty to the APC—the party that propelled him to the presidency in 2015 after several unsuccessful attempts. He recalled Buhari’s own words, stating, “I will never be ungrateful. I will never betray the party that gave me two terms in office.”

This declaration, Shehu noted, underscores Buhari’s continued commitment to the party and its mission. As speculation swirls around whether the former president’s camp is dissatisfied with the current political climate, Shehu responded calmly, saying they remain unperturbed by such notions. “We read these statements when people say such things. Are we disturbed? I don’t think that’s the right word,” he said.

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He argued that those who were instrumental in the founding of the APC in 2014 would be the last to engage in actions that could destabilize the party. It was not an easy journey to form the APC, Shehu explained. The merger that created the now-ruling party was born out of years of effort, coordination, and political sacrifice among multiple opposition groups.

“It took hard work, energy, and sacrifice to bring the APC together,” Shehu remarked. “After trying multiple times, the opposition groups finally joined forces in 2014 and won. Those who saw how much effort it took to build that coalition won’t be the ones to tear it down.”

The APC’s historic 2015 victory ended the 16-year dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a feat largely attributed to Buhari’s popularity and the strategic unity of the coalition. That foundation, Shehu argued, still holds strong and continues to serve as the glue binding its top members, including Buhari and Tinubu.

While political analysts and commentators have pointed to differing approaches between Buhari’s and Tinubu’s administrations, Shehu urged Nigerians not to interpret those differences as conflict. He noted that every president has his own leadership style, which should not be mistaken for disagreement or disunity.

“People are entitled to their opinions,” Shehu said. “But officially, there is no distrust or fallout between the Buhari and Tinubu administrations.”

The reassurance from Shehu is likely to calm the nerves of many party loyalists and citizens watching the evolving political narrative ahead of future elections. With Nigeria’s political landscape known for its volatility and shifting alliances, the confirmation of unity between the two APC stalwarts could help solidify internal party cohesion and stability.

In the broader context, Shehu’s remarks also serve as a timely reminder that political legacy and party loyalty remain crucial values among certain segments of Nigeria’s leadership. As the APC navigates new challenges and transitions in governance, the continued collaboration between its founding members may prove vital in maintaining its dominance and delivering on electoral promises.

For now, it appears that talk of a rift is just that—talk. And as Garba Shehu confidently put it, the party’s foundation, built on years of collective struggle and victory, is not about to crack under the weight of speculation.