Legacies of Buni as APC caretaker chairman
Reflecting on the 2026 National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, one is inevitably drawn back to an earlier moment in the party’s history—captured in my April
- By Ali Abbas
Reflecting on the 2026 National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, one is inevitably drawn back to an earlier moment in the party’s history—captured in my April 5, 2022 abridged article titled “Gov. Buni and CECPC Assignment: The Making of a Quintessential National Leadership Material.”That reflection now appears even more relevant in light of recent events.
William Shakespeare’s timeless words—“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them”—aptly capture the political journey of Mai Mala Buni. His rise within the APC does not fit the mold of calculated ambition; rather, it is a story of responsibility embraced and leadership proven under pressure.
From his unexpected emergence as Chairman of the APC Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) in June 2020 to his current role as Secretary of the 2026 Convention and Chairman of Reconciliation and Mobilisation, Buni has consistently demonstrated a rare capacity for consensus-building and strategic leadership. His stewardship has helped steer the APC toward what many now describe as a defining era in its evolution.
At a time when the ruling party was deeply fractured, Buni’s first major intervention was reconciliation. He embarked on an inclusive engagement process that restored confidence among aggrieved stakeholders. Through frank consultations and deliberate bridge-building, he rekindled a sense of collective ownership within the party. The return of key defectors during this period underscored the effectiveness of that approach, drawing commendation from then President Muhammadu Buhari and other party leaders.
Beyond reconciliation, Buni pursued aggressive grassroots mobilisation. Under his leadership, the APC convened a National Youth Summit in Abuja and deliberately integrated women and Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) into its political architecture. This marked a significant shift toward inclusivity, setting a precedent in Nigeria’s party politics.
Perhaps the most defining achievement of the Buni-led CECPC was the membership registration and revalidation exercise. The APC’s membership reportedly expanded from about 11 million to over 41 million within 18 months—a remarkable growth that positioned the party as the largest in Africa and among the largest globally. While such figures may invite scrutiny, the political impact of that expansion is undeniable: it reinvigorated the party’s structures and deepened its national footprint.
Equally notable was the wave of high-profile defections into the APC during this period. Governors, legislators, and influential political actors joined the party in what many observers described as a political “tsunami.” This earned Buni the informal moniker “Defector General,” a reflection—albeit exaggerated—of his perceived political magnetism.
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Today, the APC boasts a commanding presence across Nigeria’s political landscape, including control of a significant number of state governments. Much of this momentum can be traced to the structural and strategic foundations laid during Buni’s tenure. The expectation now is that the current leadership under Nentawe Yilwatda will consolidate these gains and expand the party’s reach.
Yet, beyond numbers and defections, Buni’s enduring contribution lies in institutional thinking. His advocacy for sustained reconciliation, internal democracy, and stakeholder engagement reflects a broader vision: transforming the APC from a mere electoral machine into a durable political institution.
One such innovation was the introduction of the Tripartite Consultation Forum (TCF), which fostered coordination between the party, the executive, and the National Assembly. If sustained, this framework could strengthen governance cohesion and policy alignment within the ruling party.
Buni has also emphasized the importance of institutional memory. The APC National Secretariat—popularly known as Buhari House—must, in his view, evolve into a modern political hub equipped with digital infrastructure and archival systems capable of preserving the party’s legacy.
In many respects, Buni represents a paradox in Nigerian politics: a reluctant leader who became indispensable. Circumstance may have thrust him into prominence, but performance has sustained his relevance. His ability to navigate crises while managing success has earned him a reputation as a dependable “bridge builder”—a rare commodity in Nigeria’s often adversarial political environment.
His relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu further underscores this trust, with Buni repeatedly entrusted with sensitive uphill assignments that demand tact, loyalty, and results.
Looking ahead, Buni’s political trajectory offers lessons not just for the APC but for Nigeria’s broader democratic development. His emphasis on inclusion, structure, and long-term planning speaks to the kind of leadership required to sustain political institutions in complex societies.
Ultimately, whether viewed as a product of destiny or discipline, Mai Mala Buni has left an indelible mark on the APC’s evolution. His legacy—if carefully built upon—could shape the future of party politics in Nigeria for years to come. of Buni as APC caretaker chairman
• Malam Ali Ibrahim Abbas is a Professor of Political Science (Peace, Security and Development)
