Raphael Kanu
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Southwest has paid a glowing tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his passing as an irreparable loss to Nigeria and Africa.
In an emotional statement signed by the Zonal Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ayo Afolabi, the party hailed Buhari as “a rare gem, an embodiment of integrity, and one of Nigeria’s most selfless leaders who gave his all for the peace and progress of the nation.”
According to the APC, Buhari’s life was a testament to discipline, patriotism, and service. “From his early days as a gallant soldier to his emergence as a civilian President, General Buhari remained unshaken in his belief that Nigeria can and must work. He lived for the ideals of honesty, accountability, and justice,” the statement said.
The party recalled his long years of service, from the military to governance. “His leadership as Head of State and later as President was not about personal comfort but about sacrifice. Buhari bore the burden of leadership with simplicity and dignity,” the release added.
Southwest APC commended his courage in fighting corruption and repositioning Nigeria’s economy, noting that his policies in agriculture, infrastructure, and energy reforms would continue to shape the nation’s development. “Buhari’s vision was clear: a Nigeria that can feed itself, build its roads, power its homes, and educate its children. He worked tirelessly toward that dream,” it said.
In an emotional tone, the party expressed its condolences to his wife, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, his children, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the entire APC family. “We share in the grief of a nation that has lost a father figure, a man who taught us that integrity is not negotiable. Nigerians will forever remember his unwavering stand against corruption and indiscipline,” the statement read.
Leading APC chieftains also paid tributes to the former President. A former Governor of Ogun State described Buhari as “a moral compass for our generation, a man whose name became synonymous with honesty.”
An APC youth leader in Lagos said: “Buhari was more than a leader; he was an institution. He inspired millions of young Nigerians to believe in the possibility of a better country.”
Afolabi concluded by saying: “General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) will remain a symbol of patriotism, courage, and simplicity for generations to come. His love for Nigeria was total, and his contributions to nation-building are eternal.”
Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023, was a retired Major General and former military Head of State. His tenure was marked by aggressive anti-corruption campaigns, infrastructure renewal, and reforms that laid the groundwork for Nigeria’s economic sustainability.