2027 Elections: Buhari Loyalists Declare Support for Atiku, Accuse Tinubu’s APC of Betrayal

A major political realignment is unfolding ahead of the 2027 general elections as key loyalists of former President Muhammadu Buhari have pledged their allegiance to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, signaling growing cracks within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The declaration came during a closed-door meeting at Atiku’s Abuja residence, where state chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC)—Buhari’s original political platform—gathered to chart a new course.

Atiku, now leading coalition-building efforts under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), hosted the CPC bloc and assured them of his commitment to reshape Nigeria’s political future.

The CPC leaders, widely regarded as Buhari’s most loyal base, accused the APC of abandoning the principles that united the coalition which swept the party to power in 2015.

One of the leaders said:
“Bring it out, make it visible. Politics does not operate in the corner; bring your politics out. That is essentially what we are here to emphasise.

“We are the true followers of Buhari, and we are here today, Sir. When this coalition started, we identified early on with the party we wanted to align with.

“My leader, I want to assure and reassure you of our commitment. The CPC bloc is intact. President Buhari has left an unprecedented mark in the history of this country, and we will not allow it to be lost.

“We are now ready to merge into the new political platform that God has chosen for us, appointing you as the leader—that platform now being the ADC.”

Their move heightens political tension, especially in northern Nigeria where Buhari still commands a massive grassroots following.

Another CPC stalwart, drawing comparisons between Buhari’s legacy and the current APC government, remarked:
“You see me, I don’t need to tell you I’m CPC. If you see former Attorney-General Malami, former Kaduna Governor El-Rufai, and others who worked closely with President Buhari, you don’t need to be told they are CPC.

“Then, you can compare this with the faces you see now in positions of power.”

Responding, Atiku described the development as a significant step toward building a strong alliance capable of challenging APC’s dominance.

“I am particularly delighted to receive you today. This meeting represents a continuation of your journey and your struggles. I believe that with your support, we will be able to translate this journey into success.

“We will also work to form a government that reflects inclusivity and service to the people, one that is responsive to citizens’ needs and committed to peace and unity across Nigeria,” Atiku said.

The former Vice President urged the CPC bloc to mobilise their supporters for the ongoing voter registration exercise, stressing its importance to the 2027 polls.

“I took time to explain how the current coalition efforts began and pledged to them that the ADC is a truly people-driven political platform. I also encouraged them to mobilise their supporters for the ongoing voter registration exercise,” he added.

The meeting marks the beginning of what analysts describe as one of Nigeria’s most consequential political shifts since the APC was formed a decade ago.

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