The passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari has sent ripples through Nigeria’s political landscape, reigniting a fierce scramble for his loyal political base and the future of the now-defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), which he founded in 2009.
With Buhari’s influence no longer physically present, analysts say the All Progressives Congress (APC) faces a new era of uncertainty, particularly from the cult-like following the late leader commanded — an estimated 12 million strong.
Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023, key CPC figures such as ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former SGF Babachir Lawal have distanced themselves from his administration, raising concerns over internal fractures in the ruling party. Buhari’s death may now accelerate those rifts.
Tensions are already mounting between the APC and the resurgent African Democratic Congress (ADC), which has absorbed some of Buhari’s close allies. ADC’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, told The PUNCH that most of Buhari’s loyalists had already joined their coalition.
“The entire North is already with our party,” Abdullahi claimed. “This was Buhari’s wish before he passed — that his people should join the coalition.”
He named key figures like Lawal, El-Rufai, Isa Pantami, Emeka Nwajuba, and Rotimi Amaechi as evidence of CPC roots embedded in the ADC’s senior ranks. Abdullahi accused Tinubu’s administration of scapegoating Buhari for the country’s economic woes and alienating his legacy.
“Why would they remain in APC?” he asked. “They’ve endured humiliation and exclusion, while Buhari’s policies were demonised.”
Despite the defections, several prominent CPC veterans remain within the APC, including Governors Dikko Radda and Abdullahi Sule, Buba Marwa, Aminu Masari, and Tanko Al-Makura. But sources suggest not all may stay, especially those feeling sidelined since Buhari left power.
Former APC North-West Vice Chairman Salihu Lukman acknowledged Buhari’s unmatched political clout in the North, stating:
“We no longer have someone like Buhari who could endorse a candidate and guarantee victory. This means politicians must now engage the public with humility, not arrogance.”
He added that the coalition’s aim isn’t just to defeat Tinubu or APC in 2027 but to birth a new political culture grounded in accountability.
APC Pushes Back
The APC has downplayed the defections and warned against overestimating the ADC. Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim insisted Buhari loyalists are ideologically aligned with the APC and not the ADC.
“They will not support ADC. It’s not possible,” he said. “This vacuum from Buhari’s passing will sober the party, not break it.”
Former Minister Adebayo Shittu also dismissed any plans to leave APC, announcing his ambition to run for Oyo State governor under the party in 2027.
“The exit of Buhari can’t divide the APC,” Shittu stated. “If anything, more people are coming into the party.”
Northern Leaders Divided
Northern leaders offered mixed reactions to the unfolding political drama.
Anthony Sani, ex-Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum, played down the impact of Buhari’s death on APC’s trajectory.
“Buhari’s supporters will not betray him — even in death,” he said, questioning the viability of the ADC and other opposition efforts due to zoning dynamics and policy ambiguity.
However, Yerima Shettima of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum warned that Buhari’s death could create a power vacuum in the APC.
“His leadership combined loyalty with divisiveness. Now, the CPC bloc could either guard his legacy or emerge as an entirely new political force,” Shettima said.
He cautioned that if APC fails to manage the growing internal discontent, it risks losing its dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As Nigeria mourns Buhari’s passing, the true test for the APC — and any aspiring successor platforms — lies in how they interpret, preserve, or reposition his legacy in the unfolding political realignment.
