A significant political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections has seen loyalists of former President Muhammadu Buhari rally behind former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, raising alarms within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This move, formalized at a private meeting in Abuja, marks a dramatic realignment as state chairmen from the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) gathered at Atiku’s residence. They pledged support for the leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signaling deep fractures within the APC.
The CPC, which was once Buhari’s core political base, has voiced strong discontent with the current administration. They claim that the APC leadership has abandoned the principles that initially brought the party to power in 2015. One of the leaders of the bloc stated, “We are the true followers of Buhari, and we are here today, Sir. When this coalition started, we identified early on with the party we wanted to align with.”
The CPC bloc’s formal declaration of allegiance to Atiku has the potential to shift political dynamics, particularly in northern Nigeria, where Buhari’s influence remains profound. A leader within the bloc further noted that the current faces in the government do not reflect the values that the CPC once embodied.
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Comparing the present leadership to that of Buhari’s era, the leader remarked, “You can see the difference. Former Attorney-General Malami, former Kaduna Governor El-Rufai, and others who worked closely with President Buhari they were true to the CPC values. The faces you see now don’t represent that.”
In a show of gratitude, Atiku Abubakar welcomed the CPC’s support, emphasizing the importance of forging alliances to create a government that prioritizes inclusivity and serves the needs of ordinary Nigerians. He also highlighted the ongoing voter registration efforts, urging the new coalition to mobilize their supporters for the upcoming elections.
“I believe that with your support, we will be able to translate this journey into success. Together, we will work toward a government that is responsive to the needs of the people and committed to peace and unity across Nigeria,” Atiku affirmed.
This meeting between Atiku and the CPC delegation marks the beginning of what could become one of Nigeria’s most significant political realignments since the formation of the APC.
