Umar Ardo Says He Initiated APC Idea for Buhari’s 2015 Bid
Former All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Umar Ardo has countered claims made by ex‑Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, stating that the concept of forming the APC to pave the way for Muhammadu Buhari’s 2015 presidential contest was his own.
Speaking on Arise Television on Tuesday, Ardo emphasized that no single person can take credit for making someone president; such an outcome requires the effort of many individuals and groups. He added, however, that every major movement begins with a single idea, and in this case the idea to establish the APC originated with him.
Background to the 2015 Push
Ardo recalled that after Buhari’s defeat in the 2011 general elections, the former president had declared he would not run again if he lost. Despite that statement, Ardo personally approached Buhari and urged him to reconsider.
He told Buhari that his previous electoral failures stemmed from limiting his campaign to the northern region. According to Ardo, securing at least one southern zone is essential for victory, and the Southwest could be won only with Bola Tinubu as a running mate.
Ardo noted that in 2011 Tinubu had aspired to the vice‑presidential slot, but the party selected Pastor Tunde Bakare instead. Consequently, Tinubu entered into discussions with then‑President Goodluck Jonathan and ultimately threw his support behind Jonathan’s candidacy.
Encouraging Buhari to Pursue Legal Redress
Although Buhari had said he would not approach the election tribunal after the 2011 poll, Ardo persuaded him to file a petition in order to keep his political presence alive.
These recollections, Ardo argued, demonstrate that the drive to form the APC and position Buhari for a 2015 run was rooted in his own initiative, not in any claim by Amaechi.
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