Late Buhari’s Political Camp Sparks Speculation of Mass Defection from APC
Political Landscape Shifts as Buhari Loyalists Consider Exit from Ruling Party
The recent passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political establishment, reigniting speculation about the future of his loyalists within the All Progressives Congress (APC). Analysts suggest the development could significantly alter the country’s political dynamics ahead of the 2027 elections.
CPC Legacy and the Battle for Buhari’s Political Base
Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023, observers have noted a steady decline in influence for members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the party Buhari founded in 2009. Several key figures from Buhari’s inner circle, including former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, have publicly opposed Tinubu’s potential second-term bid.
With Buhari’s estimated 12 million-strong political following now up for grabs, tensions have emerged between the APC and opposition parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which claims to be the natural home for Buhari’s loyalists.
ADC Claims Majority of Buhari’s Support Base
Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s interim National Publicity Secretary, made bold claims in an interview with Punch Newspapers: “Most of the Buhari loyalists are already with us. The entire North is already with our party. We are very confident.”
Abdullahi listed prominent names now associated with the ADC coalition, including:
- Babachir Lawal
- Abubakar Malami
- Isah Pantami
- Emeka Nwajuba
- Nasir El-Rufai
- Rotimi Amaechi
- Rauf Aregbesola
“Their presence in the leadership of the coalition indicates that’s where Buhari stood,” Abdullahi asserted, suggesting the late president had wanted his supporters to join the opposition coalition.
APC’s Treatment of Buhari Legacy Under Scrutiny
The ADC spokesperson leveled serious accusations against the ruling party: “President Tinubu’s government has blamed Buhari for almost every economic woe. Why would Buhari followers remain with the APC after watching the government demonize his legacy?”
This sentiment echoes remarks by former military Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who noted: “With the passing away of Buhari, politics in Nigeria will certainly change — I hope for the better.”
Who Remains in APC?
Despite the defection claims, several prominent Buhari allies still maintain membership in the APC, including:
- Senator Tanko Al-Makura (former Nasarawa Governor)
- Dikko Radda (Katsina State Governor)
- General Buba Marwa (NDLEA Chairman)
- Aminu Bello Masari (former Speaker)
- Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa State Governor)
However, party insiders reveal growing discontent among some members who feel marginalized since Buhari left office, suggesting more defections may be imminent.
A New Political Era Dawns
Salihu Lukman, former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West) now with the ADC coalition, offered insightful analysis: “We don’t have somebody with the kind of intimidating profile like that of the late Buhari. Politicians must relate to citizens with higher humility rather than the current arrogance.”
Lukman emphasized the need for a fresh political approach: “It’s not about defeating APC and Tinubu, but producing a new template that meets Nigerians’ expectations.”
APC Responds to Defection Rumors
Bala Ibrahim, APC’s Director of Publicity, dismissed suggestions of mass defections: “No, they will not support ADC. They are more comfortable with and in APC.”
While acknowledging Buhari’s passing created a vacuum, Ibrahim remained optimistic: “The party is doing something to reconcile, reassess the situation, and ensure there’s a very good sense of mending.”
As Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve, all eyes remain on how Buhari’s formidable political base will align in the coming months, with potential significant implications for the 2027 general elections.
Credit: This article is based on original reporting from NigerianEye.com