Political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections are escalating, following rising speculations that loyalists of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari may sever ties with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The fallout comes amid the passing of Buhari, founder of the now-defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), whose staunch political base had significantly influenced Nigeria’s northern electorate. With the growing shift in party allegiances, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) appears to be positioning itself as the new political home for several of Buhari’s trusted allies.
Speaking exclusively to The PUNCH, ADC’s interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, claimed that many core CPC loyalists have already joined the coalition.
“Most of the Buhari loyalists are already with us,” he 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.”
Abdullahi pointed to the visible presence of prominent CPC figures within the ADC’s senior ranks.
“As you can see, there is a strong representation of CPC and Buhari loyalists — the likes of Babachir Lawal, Abubakar Malami, Isah Pantami, Emeka Nwajuba, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola and the rest of them. Those are Buhari people. And their presence in the leadership of the coalition indicates that that’s where Buhari stood,” he added.
The political analyst also accused the Tinubu-led administration of sidelining Buhari’s legacy.
“Why would they remain part of the APC?” Abdullahi asked. “Is it because they enjoy the humiliation and the exclusion they have suffered? Or is it because they’ve watched the government demonise the legacy of Buhari while he was alive?”
He further alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s administration consistently scapegoated Buhari for Nigeria’s economic downturn, adding, “President Tinubu’s government has blamed Buhari for almost every economic woe. So, why would Buhari followers or loyalists remain with the APC?”
However, not all former CPC members have abandoned the ruling party. Influential figures such as Senator Tanko Al-Makura, Babale Ila, Ibrahim Gobir, Senator Ibrahim Musa, Sanusi Aliyu, Mohammed Tukur, and Senator Ahmed Sani remain committed to the APC, alongside other high-ranking officials including NDLEA Chairman Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), former Speaker Aminu Bello Masari, and Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda.
But insiders within the APC admit that not all current members from the CPC bloc are expected to stay. Some aggrieved stakeholders, who feel increasingly alienated since Buhari’s exit, are reportedly considering defection ahead of 2027.
Salihu Lukman, former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West) and now a member of the ADC coalition, noted that Buhari’s death signalled a political turning point.
“We don’t have somebody with the kind of intimidating profile like that of the late Buhari,” Lukman said during an appearance on Arise TV. “Our leaders must have a kind of team spirit. It is not about succeeding to defeat APC and Tinubu, but succeeding to produce a new, fresh political template that will begin to meet the expectations of Nigerians.”
He warned that Buhari’s absence means that political actors must now engage citizens with humility rather than arrogance.
“Many politicians looked forward to Buhari raising their hands in endorsement — that almost guaranteed victory, especially in the North. Now, we don’t have any figure like that,” he said.
Meanwhile, APC’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed suggestions that Buhari loyalists would exit the party.
“No, they will not support ADC, it’s not possible. They are people of different ideologies. They are more comfortable with and in APC,” he insisted.
Ibrahim acknowledged the vacuum created by Buhari’s death but maintained that it would prompt internal reflection rather than fragmentation.
“Yes, the political atmosphere will change for our party. But it is not a vacuum that will deform the party. It is a vacuum that will push the party into sobriety… The party is doing something to reconcile, reassess the situation, and see to it that there is a very good sense of mending,” he added.
Former Minister of Communications and CPC stalwart, Adebayo Shittu, also refuted claims of defection.
“No way, I am not leaving the APC. In fact, I am even planning to run for Oyo governorship seat on the platform of the party in 2027. And I have no doubt I will defeat any opponent to clinch it if I am given the APC ticket,” he declared.
Reactions from Arewa leaders reveal a divided opinion. Anthony Sani, former Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum, believes Buhari’s followers will remain loyal to his party.
“Given the attitude of his supporters, I do not see how they will betray Buhari, even in his grave,” Sani said. He also cast doubts on the coalition’s viability, noting challenges in zoning and the lack of ideological clarity.
However, Yerima Shettima, President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, warned that Buhari’s demise could trigger a leadership void.
“Buhari’s leadership was characterised by a blend of loyalty and divisiveness. His death could trigger a power vacuum. The APC would face a critical juncture in its trajectory,” he warned.
Shettima suggested that CPC remnants might choose between preserving Buhari’s political ideals within the APC or establishing an independent identity in a new party framework.
