President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recounted some of his behind-the-scenes disagreements with the late former President Muhammadu Buhari during the early days of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Tinubu made the revelation on Tuesday while hosting members of The Buhari Organisation (TBO), led by former Nasarawa State governor, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Reflecting on the delicate negotiations that led to the merger of opposition parties, Tinubu described Buhari as a “stubborn” political figure with whom he had frequent clashes. One of their biggest points of contention, he disclosed, was the choice of the APC’s official symbol. 
“We disagreed to agree. We even argued about a symbol. He (Buhari) insisted on parliament, and I insisted on the broom. He’s so stubborn,” Tinubu said with a smile, recalling the tense but ultimately productive exchanges.
Despite those disagreements, Tinubu noted that compromises were reached, which paved the way for the successful merger of four major political blocs: the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
That historic alliance culminated in the official registration of the APC by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2013, setting the stage for the party’s eventual victory in the 2015 general elections, which ended the 16-year dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Tinubu also emphasized why he strongly defended the broom symbol, explaining that it represented unity and collective strength. “The broom is not just a symbol; it shows that when we come together, we sweep away obstacles,” he said, stressing the importance of unity in political struggles.
While recalling Buhari’s persistence during those formative years, Tinubu commended his late predecessor for his commitment to the merger process despite differences of opinion. According to him, Buhari’s insistence on certain positions reflected his determination to ensure that the new party was built on principles that could withstand pressure.
The president also told members of the TBO that their loyalty to Buhari’s vision and legacy would continue to be relevant in shaping the APC’s future.
