Ex President Buhari Calls For Citizen-Centric Governance

The immediate past President of Nigeria, Muhammad Buhari has called for Citizen-Centric governance.

Buhari disclosed who disclosed this during a visit by members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) to his residence in Kaduna recently, revealing that he has not changed the same physical assets he possessed when he assumed power in 2015.

Addressing the governors, Buhari emphasized the importance of a citizen-focused approach to leadership, describing it as both a challenge and an opportunity. “Balancing the two would significantly advance national progress,” he said. He expressed confidence in the achievements of governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and urged them to remain committed to Nigeria’s development.

Buhari also acknowledged the Tinubu administration for renovating his Kaduna home, noting that while its exterior remained largely unchanged, significant improvements had been made internally. He expressed gratitude to the governors for their visit, remarking that while he had worked with some of them during his tenure, others were new faces to him.

The PGF Chairman, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, explained that the visit was to extend Eid-el-Fitr greetings and to honor Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and the APC’s growth. “Many of us recall with pride the principled role you played in the founding of the APC. That legacy continues to shape our party’s identity and direction,” Uzodinma said.

Uzodinma praised Buhari’s recent reaffirmation of loyalty to the APC, calling it a timely boost for the party. “Your declaration could not have come at a better time. It reaffirmed your place as a pillar of our movement,” he added. He hailed Buhari as a “pan-Nigerian” leader whose historic defeat of an incumbent president in 2015 and subsequent governance with “calm resolve” cemented his legacy.

The governor highlighted key achievements of Buhari’s administration, including reclaiming territory from insurgents, expanding social investment programs like the Conditional Cash Transfer and School Feeding Program, and advancing infrastructure through road and rail projects. He also commended initiatives like the Anchor Borrowers Scheme for enhancing food security and promoting local production. “You brought dignity to governance and deepened the progressive ethos of our party,” Uzodinma said.

Uzodinma noted that the APC is undergoing renewal under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose “bold, reform-driven” leadership builds on Buhari’s foundation. He cited Buhari’s recent public endorsement of Tinubu as a symbol of continuity and humility.

“We honor you not just for your past service but for the enduring values you represent,” Uzodinma concluded, urging Buhari to continue guiding the party as it seeks to strengthen progressive politics and maintain APC’s dominance for a more prosperous Nigeria.