Bauchi, Nigeria – Aliyu Mohammed Sani, a young man from Bauchi who gained notoriety for bathing in and drinking from a gutter in celebration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2019 victory, now says he regrets his actions and has withdrawn his support for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, March 23, 2023, Sani, also known as Ali Gayu Na Baba Buhari, said he was left to his own fate after the incident.
The event made headlines across the country at the time, drawing a mixture of ridicule, concern, and admiration.
“My name is Aliyu Mohammed Sani, popularly known as Ali Gayu Na Baba Buhari, but that was in the past. Almost everybody is aware that when Muhammadu Buhari won the 2019 election, I took a bath and drank from the gutter in celebration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s election victory,” he stated.
Sani expressed regret over his actions and lamented the lack of concern from political leaders, particularly those of the APC, despite the widespread media coverage of his stunt. He says he feels abandoned by the party he once so publicly supported.
“The reason why I dumped the APC is, despite the widespread reports of my action in the media, they didn’t care about me,” he said.
Contrasting this indifference, Sani pointed out the kindness shown by Alhaji Musa Azare, a political leader from the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Azare reportedly sought out Sani amidst rumors that he had died from drinking gutter water, and provided him with assistance.
“He (Azare) was happy to have come and met me in good condition because there were speculations that I died as a result of drinking from the gutter, but after confirming that I was fine, he even gave me a token,” Sani said.
His change of allegiance and regret raise questions about the potential ramifications of public displays of political loyalty and the responsibilities of political parties to their fervent supporters.
The All Progressives Congress has not yet commented on Sani’s statements.
