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Buhari’s CPC faction might leave APC as tensions continue to brew within the party
Following the demise of former and immediate-past President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, a few days ago, speculations have started to brew of his faction within the All Progressives Congress (APC) looking to dump the party.
Specifically, these loyalists came with the former president from now-defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), founded in 2009.
Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came to power in 2023, the effectiveness and presence of the ex-president have diminished, with some key loyalists like former Kaduna Governor Nassir El-Rufai and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, publicly negating Tinubu’s reelection bid.
After the passing of Buhari, political analysts trust that the All Progressives Congress (APC) might be faced with new challenges from the former president’s sworn followers, numbered to be over 12 million people.
This development accompanies a statement made by a former military Head of State, General Abdusalami Abubakar, who proposed that the ex-president’s demise could redefine Nigeria’s political sphere.
“That shows the magnitude of what has befallen Nigeria,” Abdulsalami said of the effect of Buhari’s death.
“With the passing away of Buhari, politics in Nigeria will certainly change—I hope for the better.”
On the other hand, Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s interim National Publicity Secretary, stated that Buhari’s faction within the APC 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.”
He added, “As you can see, there is a strong representation of CPC and Buhari loyalists in the senior ranks of the coalition—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.”
Abdullahi further stated that Buhari’s legacy would be upheld by the coalition, claiming that the APC had segregated and jettisoned the late president after leaving office in 2023.
“Why would they remain part of the APC?” he 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 also accused the Tinubu administration of stating that former president was responsible for the Nigeria’s economic woe.
Buhari’s CPC Faction Might Leave APC
“President Tinubu’s government has blamed Buhari for almost every economic woe. So, why would Buhari followers or loyalists remain with the APC?”
Key political figures who came with Buhari from CPC into APC include former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Tanko Al-Makura; Babale Ila, Ibrahim Gobir; Senator Ibrahim Musa; Sanusi Aliyu; Mohammed Tukur; Senator Ahmed Sani; Ibrahim Chachangi; Yusuf Bala; and the party’s current North West National Vice Chairman, Garuba Datti.
Others who remain in the party are: Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda; Chairman
of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, M.B. Shehu; Chairman of the NDLEA, retired General Buba Marwa; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Bello Masari; Adamu Farouk; Okoi Obono-Obla; former DG of the Voice of Nigeria, Osita Okechukwu; Senator Ibrahim Musa; and Nasiru Argungu.
Also, those still remaining are: former Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari; Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule; Adamu Adamu; Senator Mustafa Salihu; Almajiri Geidam; Waziri Bulama; Dr. Nasiru Argungu; Dr. Dominic Alancha; Ayuba Balami; Lucy Ajayi; Captain Bala Jibrin; Uche Ufearoh; Yusuf Salih; and Alkali Ajikolo, among others.
Howbeit, according to reliable sources that as many of these Buhari’s loyalists are pro-actively working for the reelection of President Tinubu ahead of 2027 elections, all are not expected to remain with the party before then.
Some members who are said to be aggrieved, especially those who feel MARGINALIZED from the party’s affairs since late president Buhari left office, may soon leave the party.
ADC Coalition Member Salihu Lukman Speaking Ahead of 2027 General Elections: Photo Credit: Morganable
Another member of the ADC coalition and former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West) Salihu Lukman, stated that catalysed the end of when political endorsement by former president decides electoral victory.
In an interview on Arise TV, Lukman said: “What we must learn, most especially in the coalition, is that we don’t have somebody with the kind of intimidating profile like that of the late Buhari. 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 implored all politicians to exhibit humility, fulfil their campaign promises and be responsive to the citizenry.
Buhari’s CPC Faction Might Leave APC
“I know that many politicians look forward to him raising their hands and endorsing them. That translates almost into victory in many places in the North.
“Now we don’t have any figure like that. Politicians must relate to citizens with higher humility rather than the current arrogance,” he added. APC pushes back
Reacting to increasing party defection, Bala Ibrahim, APC’s Director of Publicity, stated that Buhari’s loyalists remained philosophically in-tune with the ruling 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 said.
Ibrahim then conceded that Buhari’s demise has created a space, but ensured that it would become an opportunity for party introspection.
“Yes, 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.
Shittu Disagrees On The Claim
Adebayo Shittu, former Minister of Communication, yet another key CPC’s key figure, disagrees on the speculations linking him with a switch to the ADC.
“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.
On the widely-stated implication of Buhari’s passing, Shittu said: “No, the exit of Buhari can’t break up or divide the APC.
“Although you can’t rule out the fact that some elements of CPC may go… there are more people moving into the APC.”
Reaction From Arewa
Views and perspectives of northern leaders are divided, howbeit, but former Secretary General of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Anthony Sani, stated that there was nothing much to worry about.
Buhari’s CPC Faction Might Leave APC
“I do not think there will be any substantial change in direction by the APC after the death of former President Buhari.
“He said he would remain in the APC, which had made him President twice,” Sani said.
“Given the attitude of his supporters, I do not see how they will betray Buhari, even in his grave.”
He also expressed doubts on the effectiveness of the coalition, highlighting lack of policy and unfavourable dynamics.
“The politics of zoning does not favour the coalition. President Tinubu is about the only one who has only one term to go, and northerners cannot trust Peter Obi, they cannot support Atiku Abubakar to dismantle the zoning,” he added.
in addition, the President of the Arewa Consultative Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), issued a warning that Buhari’s demise might bring about a power vacuum within the APC.
“Buhari’s leadership was characterised by a blend of loyalty and divisiveness. His death could trigger a power vacuum.
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