Politics

2027 Political Realignments: Buhari Loyalists Consider Exit from APC

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on July 18th, 2025.

2027 Political Realignments: Buhari Loyalists Consider Exit from APC

The passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari has reignited debate over the future of his political allies—especially those aligned with the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), which he established in 2009.

Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023, the influence of CPC veterans has declined sharply. Prominent figures such as former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai and ex-SGF Babachir Lawal have publicly distanced themselves from Tinubu and his potential re-election ambitions.

With Buhari no longer on the political stage, many observers believe the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may soon face significant internal fractures. Buhari’s loyal base, long estimated at over 12 million supporters, could emerge as a powerful force outside the party.

Emerging tensions have also been noted between the APC and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as both parties jostle to attract Buhari’s political network. Recent remarks from former military ruler General Abdulsalami Abubakar suggest Buhari’s death could fundamentally alter Nigeria’s political landscape.

“This marks a pivotal moment for the country,” Abdulsalami said, adding that Buhari’s absence may usher in political shifts — hopefully, positive ones.

Speaking to The PUNCH, Bolaji Abdullahi, acting National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, revealed that many of Buhari’s close associates have already aligned with their coalition.

“Buhari’s loyalists are with us in significant numbers,” Abdullahi stated. “The bulk of northern support is tilting in our direction. Even before his passing, Buhari indicated a preference for this coalition.”

He cited high-profile members within their ranks as evidence of this shift, including Babachir Lawal, Abubakar Malami, Isa Pantami, Emeka Nwajuba, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola—all considered key players from the Buhari era.

Abdullahi further criticized the APC’s treatment of the former president, claiming the party marginalized him and distorted his legacy.

“Why should they remain in a party that sidelined them?” he asked. “The APC administration has blamed Buhari for nearly every economic setback. That betrayal makes continued loyalty to the APC untenable for many of his followers.”

Despite the growing exodus, some CPC stalwarts remain in the APC. These include ex-Nasarawa Governor Tanko Al-Makura, Katsina Governor Dikko Radda, and notable figures like Senator Ahmed Sani, Ibrahim Gobir, and NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa.

Nevertheless, internal discontent persists. Critics argue that zoning arrangements and lack of ideological clarity have left the APC vulnerable to fragmentation. Abdullahi noted that with Tinubu constitutionally limited to a single additional term, northern leaders are unlikely to rally behind southern candidates like Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi.

Meanwhile, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum President Yerima Shettima warned that Buhari’s death might leave a leadership void in the APC.

“His leadership, though polarizing, held a faction of the party together,” Shettima said. “Without him, the APC must redefine itself or risk implosion.”

He concluded that how the party handles Buhari’s political legacy could determine whether it survives future challenges or unravels under pressure.