Will Buhari’s loyalists abandon APC? ADC makes bold claim amid growing rift

The death of former President Muhammadu Buhari is shaking the foundations of Nigerian politics  and the aftershocks may hit the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) hardest.

With Buhari gone, the question being asked across the corridors of power is simple: Will his loyalists stick with APC or make a daring exit?

For years, Buhari’s political base, once described as cult-like with thousands of die-hard supporters  was the engine that propelled APC to dominance. But that engine may now be moving in a different direction.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) believes the shift has already begun. Speaking in an interview, ADC’s interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, dropped a political bombshell:

“Most of the Buhari loyalists are already with us,” he declared. “The majority of them, the entire North, is with our party. And the passing of the former President will only cement that because that was his wish when he was alive.”

Abdullahi claims that Buhari’s inner circle, including the likes of Babachir Lawal, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, Isah Pantami, Emeka Nwajiuba, and Abubakar Malami are now firmly represented in the coalition’s leadership.

“These are Buhari people,” Abdullahi said confidently. “Their presence shows exactly where Buhari stood. APC humiliated him, blamed him for Nigeria’s woes, and vilified his legacy. Why would they stay?”

His words reflect some growing tension within the ruling party. Since President Bola Tinubu took over in 2023, many CPC-era loyalists have complained of being sidelined.

Political analysts argue that Buhari’s death has created a vacuum, one that could either strengthen APC or tear it apart.. Salihu Lukman, a former APC chieftain now with ADC, said this on Arise TV:

“Let’s be clear, Buhari was a towering figure. His endorsement guaranteed victory in many parts of the North. Now, there’s no one like that. The coalition must create a fresh political template to meet Nigerians’ expectations.”

Still, not everyone is jumping ship. Inside sources say some CPC heavyweights remain in APC’s fold, ranging from former Nasarawa Governor Tanko Al-Makura to Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, NDLEA boss Buba Marwa, and others.

But will loyalty hold in 2027? Or will Buhari’s political heirs rewrite the script and align with ADC to challenge Tinubu?

Still, let those placing bets against Tinubu tread carefully. The President is a veteran of political war. With a wide network, and a reputation for being Nigeria’s greatest political gamester, the insiders believe it will take more than party-hopping to push the Jagaban out in 2027.