2027 Tensions: Buhari’s Loyalist May Dump APC

The death of former President Muhammadu Buhari has reignited speculations about the political future of his loyalists, particularly those from the now-defunct Congress for Progressive Change, the party he founded in 2009.

Since the emergence of President Bola Tinubu in 2023, the influence of CPC loyalists has waned, with some key figures such as ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, openly opposing Tinubu’s potential second-term bid.

With Buhari’s passing, analysts believe the All Progressives Congress may face renewed challenges from the late leader’s formidable cult-like followership, long estimated at over 12 million.

Tensions have begun to surface between the APC and the African Democratic Congress, with both parties vying to attract Buhari’s political base. The development follows remarks by former military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who suggested that the former President’s death could reshape Nigeria’s political dynamics.

“That shows the magnitude of what has befallen Nigeria,” Abdulsalami said of the impact of Buhari’s death. “With the passing away of Buhari, politics in Nigeria will certainly change — I hope for the better.”

Meanwhile, ADC’s interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, claimed in an interview with The PUNCH that several of Buhari’s close allies had already joined their coalition.

“Most of the Buhari loyalists are already with us,” Abdullahi said. “The majority of them, the entire North is already with our party. We are very confident. The passing of the former President will only cement that for us because that was his wish when he was alive — that his members should join the coalition.”