The death of former President Muhammadu Buhari has reignited a fierce political contest over the allegiance of his loyalists, particularly those from the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the party he founded in 2009 and which formed the backbone of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
With President Bola Tinubu’s emergence in 2023, the influence of CPC-aligned figures within the APC has steadily declined.
Some key Buhari allies, such as former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, have even publicly opposed Tinubu’s expected second-term bid.
Now, with Buhari’s passing, political analysts predict a fresh round of realignment, especially in the north where the late President retained a cult-like following estimated at over 12 million supporters.
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ADC emerges as challenger
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has emerged as a major contender for Buhari’s political base. Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s interim National Publicity Secretary, said that the coalition has already attracted several former CPC leaders and Buhari loyalists.
“Most of the Buhari loyalists are already with us, the entire North is already with our party. 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 claimed.
He named several figures, including Babachir Lawal, Abubakar Malami, Isah Pantami, Emeka Nwajuba, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, as key members now aligned with the ADC coalition.
Abdullahi accused the Tinubu administration of marginalising Buhari’s allies and demonising the former President’s legacy.
“Why would they remain part of the APC? Tinubu’s government has blamed Buhari for almost every economic woe. So, why would Buhari loyalists remain with the APC?” he asked.
APC pushes back
In response, APC’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, downplayed the risk of mass defections. “No, they will not support ADC.
They are more comfortable with and in the APC,” he said, admitting that Buhari’s death has created a vacuum but expressing confidence in the party’s ability to recover.
“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, Adebayo Shittu, a CPC veteran also dismissed speculation about his alleged defection.
“No way, I am not leaving the APC. In fact, I am planning to run for Oyo governorship in 2027 on the party’s platform,” he declared.
Buhari’s Loyalists: Who’s In, Who’s Out?
Despite ADC’s claims, several high-profile CPC figures remain within the APC, including:
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Senator Tanko Al-Makura
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Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda
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Chairman of NDLEA, Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd)
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Former Speaker Aminu Bello Masari
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Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule
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Adamu Adamu, Ibrahim Gobir, and others
However, insiders acknowledge that discontent remains within the CPC bloc. Some members feel increasingly sidelined since Buhari exited office, raising the possibility of further defections ahead of the 2027 elections.
Northern leaders divided
Northern political leaders have expressed mixed reactions. Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, remarked that Buhari’s death could significantly reshape Nigeria’s political dynamics.
“Politics in Nigeria will certainly change, I hope for the better,” he said.
Yerima Shettima, President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, warned that Buhari’s absence could create a power vacuum within the APC.
“His death could trigger a power vacuum. The APC would face a critical juncture,” he said, adding that how the party handles Buhari’s legacy will be crucial.
In contrast, Anthony Sani, former Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum, dismissed the idea of a political shift. “Given the attitude of his supporters, I do not see how they will betray Buhari, even in his grave,” he stated.
A turning point for Nigerian politics
Former APC Vice Chairman (North-West), Salihu Lukman, now with the ADC coalition, said Buhari’s death marks the end of an era when a single endorsement could sway national elections.
“Now we don’t have any figure like that, our leaders must develop a team spirit and build a fresh political platform that meets the expectations of Nigerians,” he said on Arise TV.
Lukman called for greater humility and citizen engagement, arguing that arrogance among political elites had eroded public trust.
As the APC seeks to consolidate its base and the ADC builds a coalition of the disgruntled, Buhari’s legacy once a unifying force in northern politics now becomes a contested space in Nigeria’s shifting political landscape.
