Former presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, has refuted widespread speculation suggesting a growing rift between former President Muhammadu Buhari and incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to Shehu, the two leaders remain firmly united under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party they both helped build and sustain.

Speaking during an interview on Trust TV’s “30 Minutes” program on Monday, Shehu sought to set the record straight regarding what he described as “unfounded rumours” and “public misinterpretations” of internal party dynamics. He emphasized that, contrary to speculation in political circles and on social media, there has been no formal disagreement between Buhari and Tinubu since the transition of power in 2023.

“People are entitled to their opinions,” Shehu said. “But officially, there is no distrust or fallout between the Buhari and Tinubu administrations. What exists is mutual respect and a shared commitment to the continued success of the APC.”

Shehu stressed that Buhari remains a loyal and committed member of the APC, the same party that provided him with the platform to achieve his long-standing political ambition after three unsuccessful presidential bids. “For Muhammadu Buhari, he’s still very much an APC member. He has always said, ‘I will never be ungrateful. I will never betray the party that gave me two terms in office,’” Shehu added.

Over the past several months, there have been reports and political commentary suggesting that members of Buhari’s camp may be uneasy with certain developments within the APC and decisions taken by the Tinubu administration. However, Shehu firmly downplayed such narratives, insisting that neither Buhari nor his loyalists feel threatened or alienated.

Shehu also pointed to the historical context of the APC’s formation in 2014 as a key reason why any serious internal sabotage is unlikely. He reminded Nigerians that the merger that led to the creation of the APC combining the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and other opposition parties was the result of immense political sacrifice and long-term vision.

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

The remarks come at a time of increasing political tension and reshuffling within the APC, with different factions reportedly jostling for influence as the Tinubu administration continues to implement its economic and political reforms. The clarification by Shehu is seen as a strategic move to ease tensions and reassure party faithful of Buhari’s continued loyalty.

In his final statement, Shehu reiterated that the former president has retired from active political office but not from national service or party solidarity. “President Buhari is enjoying his retirement in peace but remains connected to the ideals and future of the APC. He will always support efforts to strengthen the party and unify the country.”

The APC leadership has yet to issue an official statement addressing these rumours, but insiders suggest Shehu’s comments reflect the broader sentiment within the party’s top ranks, one of continuity and not of conflict.