The All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governors are reportedly making moves to prevent former President Muhammadu Buhari and his loyalists from aligning with opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sources within the APC National Secretariat revealed that the recent visits by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and several APC governors to Buhari’s Kaduna residence were more than just Sallah homage. According to insiders, these visits were prompted by concerns over Buhari’s perceived detachment from the party and his increasing openness to opposition figures.
“There’s growing worry that the former president has distanced himself from the party and shown limited support for the current administration,” a top party official told Sunday PUNCH. “Opposition figures have been capitalizing on his neutrality to suggest he no longer aligns with the APC.”
The party leadership is reportedly alarmed by the potential shift in northern support, which they believe could impact President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. “There’s a clear discomfort in the North with Tinubu’s leadership. APC is trying to stop Buhari from drifting towards the opposition or enabling them through inaction,” the source added.
Buhari’s Kaduna residence has seen a steady stream of political visitors since the Eid-il-Fitr celebrations, particularly after reports emerged that loyalists from the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC)—which merged into the APC—were considering defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
One notable defector, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, left the APC for the SDP on March 15, citing a growing disconnect between his values and the current direction of the ruling party. El-Rufai, a known critic of the Tinubu administration, reportedly sought Buhari’s blessing before making the move.
Other prominent Buhari allies such as former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu and former Attorney General Abubakar Malami are also said to be contemplating defection.
In response, APC governors paid a visit to Buhari on April 7, holding a closed-door meeting to urge him to halt the defections and assuring him that grievances within his camp would be addressed. Yet, just days later on April 11, key opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, El-Rufai, and Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal also visited Buhari.
Speaking after the visit, Atiku described the meeting as a Sallah courtesy call, denying that it was tied to ongoing efforts to form a broad opposition coalition. “There is a plan for the major political parties to unite, but that wasn’t the reason for this visit,” he told journalists.
El-Rufai echoed the same sentiment, dismissing speculation and advising “adversaries” not to lose sleep over the meeting.
Reacting swiftly, APC Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje led another delegation to Buhari’s residence just hours after Atiku’s visit. Speaking to reporters, Ganduje insisted the party wasn’t worried about Atiku’s maneuvering. “What they’re trying to build won’t hold. We visited to brief Buhari on our progress and reaffirm our commitment to his legacy,” he said.
Despite both sides labeling their visits as festive greetings, it is increasingly evident that the former president is at the center of intense political lobbying. Buhari’s influence, particularly in northern Nigeria, remains a key asset the APC is desperate to retain.
While Buhari has publicly reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC, stating he will always appreciate the party for enabling his two-term presidency, political insiders believe his endorsement or neutrality could significantly influence the 2027 elections.
Sources close to Atiku confirmed to Sunday PUNCH that the visits were part of broader coalition-building efforts aimed at unseating Tinubu. “It’s all about 2027,” one source said. “Atiku is trying to pull Buhari’s loyalists away from the APC bloc because they no longer feel valued under Tinubu.”
Another political leader in Kaduna added, “Many northerners are disillusioned with this administration. The only way to challenge Tinubu is by winning over key figures who once stood by Buhari.”
Atiku had on March 20 announced the formation of a coalition of opposition parties, signaling the start of a fierce political contest leading to the next presidential election.