The passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari on July 13, 2025, has intensified speculation over the loyalty of his inner circle within the All Progressives Congress (APC). Although these allies once held sway under Buhari’s leadership—particularly members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC)—their influence rapidly diminished following President Tinubu’s ascendancy in 2023 .
Figures such as Nasir El‑Rufai and Babachir Lawal have openly questioned Tinubu’s bid for a second term, fueling rumors of departures. Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) claims it is drawing in many of Buhari’s former backers. Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC’s interim spokesperson, asserted that “most of the Buhari loyalists are already with us,” calling out APC for “demonising” the late leader.
Former head of state Abdulsalami Abubakar remarked that Buhari’s death could be a political turning point for Nigeria, expressing hope for positive change as a result.
While ADC highlights the names of Babachir Lawal, Abubakar Malami, Isah Pantami, and Rotimi Amaechi as having joined its ranks, several CPC veterans remain within APC—though many may yet defect before the 2027 elections.
APC’s publicity director, Bala Ibrahim, denied the mass exodus, asserting that Buhari loyalists still fundamentally align with the party. He acknowledged a leadership gap but described it as a catalyst for internal reevaluation rather than collapse.
Nonetheless, voices like former APC Vice‑Chairman Salihu Lukman warned that without Buhari’s political gravitas, politicians must now re‑engage with citizens with humility rather than rely on endorsements. Meanwhile, northern leaders are deeply divided: Anthony Sani believes APC will hold steady, while Yerima Shettima cautioned that Buhari’s death could unsettle the party unless his legacy is managed with care.
As Nigeria heads into the 2027 elections, all eyes are on the APC and the fate of Buhari’s ideological base—whether they steer the party back to cohesion or spark the emergence of a formidable new opposition.
