Garba Shehu Explains Buhari’s Absence from APC NEC Meeting

Former President Muhammadu Buhari was unable to attend the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja due to short notice, his spokesperson, Malam Garba Shehu, has revealed.

The high-profile gathering, presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, was attended by key APC figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, governors, National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), and other stakeholders.

However, Buhari, former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi were notably absent.

Speaking to BBC Hausa, Shehu explained that Buhari received the invitation only a day before the meeting, making it impractical for him to travel from his hometown, Daura, to Abuja in time.

“President Muhammadu Buhari is not a caucus member of the party. He was supposed to attend the NEC meeting, but unfortunately, the invitation reached him only a day before the event.

Even if he owned a private jet, he could not have made it in time,” Shehu stated.

Despite his absence, Shehu reaffirmed Buhari’s commitment to the APC, emphasizing his role as a founding member and two-time presidential candidate under the party’s banner.

“Buhari may not have been physically present, but his spirit was with the attendees. He is and will always be a dedicated member of the APC,” Shehu added.