According to a report by the Punch on Thursday, July 17, 2025, the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari has reopened political fault lines within the All Progressives Congress, particularly among his loyalists who once belonged to the now-defunct Congress for Progressive Change, a party he founded in 2009. As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 general elections, signs of internal discontent within the ruling party have started to emerge.
Since President Bola Tinubu came to power in 2023, the visibility and influence of CPC-aligned figures within the APC have steadily declined. Prominent individuals once closely associated with Buhari, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, have become increasingly estranged from the current administration. This growing divide is believed to have contributed to speculation about a potential defection by CPC loyalists from the APC.
Buhari’s political base, known for its steadfast support and estimated to be in the millions, has long been a critical force in northern Nigeria. With the late president no longer a unifying figure, various political parties are now jostling to win over his followers. Among these, the African Democratic Congress appears to be gaining momentum, positioning itself as a new home for displaced CPC members and former Buhari allies.
ADC’s interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, suggest that the ADC has already attracted several senior political figures previously aligned with Buhari. Their inclusion in the leadership of the ADC-led coalition is seen as a strategic move to consolidate influence across northern regions and other strongholds where Buhari once held sway.
He said; “The majority of them, the entire North is already with our party. We are very confident.”
There is growing frustration among these loyalists over what they perceive as marginalisation within the APC. They are also reportedly concerned about how Buhari’s legacy has been handled by the current government. Accusations have been made that the Tinubu-led administration has failed to acknowledge the contributions of the former president and has instead used his tenure as a scapegoat for the country’s economic challenges.
