Tinubu, Atiku in Fierce Tug-of-War for Buhari’s Northern Power Base

Nigeria’s road to the 2027 elections has entered a decisive phase, with fresh political alignments reshaping old loyalties. What began as quiet manoeuvres has now escalated into open declarations, as loyalists of former President Muhammadu Buhari rally behind former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—while President Bola Tinubu makes symbolic moves to consolidate Buhari’s northern bloc.

CPC Loyalists Back Atiku

State chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC)—Buhari’s original political platform—recently met Atiku at his Abuja residence, pledging full support for his coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

One CPC leader declared:

“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… The CPC bloc is intact. President Muhammadu Buhari has left an unprecedented mark in the history of this country, and we will not allow it to be lost.”

The move represents a direct challenge to the APC’s hold on Buhari’s grassroots support across northern states.

Atiku, welcoming the group, cast himself as custodian of Buhari’s legacy:

“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.”

He urged the group to mobilise actively during voter registration, stressing that endorsements must translate into actual votes.

Tinubu’s Kaduna Gesture

In what many saw as a counter-move, President Tinubu visited Kaduna over the weekend. He attended the wedding of Senator Abdul’aziz Yari’s son, and later paid a courtesy visit to Aisha Buhari, widow of the late president, at the family home.

Though framed as a show of respect, the visit carried political undertones, projecting Tinubu as Buhari’s rightful heir within northern networks. The image of the sitting president standing in Buhari’s home underscored his intent to reclaim fragments of that influential bloc.

Contest Over Buhari’s Legacy

At the heart of this rivalry lies Buhari’s enduring political weight. In his 2023 farewell address, Buhari declared: “I am confident that I am leaving office with Nigeria better in 2023 than in 2015.”

For CPC loyalists, Buhari’s legacy must be preserved outside the APC, which they argue has strayed from its founding principles. References to figures like Malami and El-Rufai were cited as symbols of CPC loyalty in contrast to new APC powerbrokers.

This narrative positions Atiku as champion of Buhari’s grassroots values, while Tinubu leans on symbolism and presence to reinforce his claim to Buhari’s political inheritance.

Mobilisation and the 2027 Stakes

Voter registration has emerged as the next battleground. Atiku’s ADC is pushing hard to convert symbolic loyalty into electoral numbers, while Tinubu’s APC works to safeguard its northern strongholds.

If Buhari’s traditional base shifts decisively, APC risks losing ground in regions once considered impregnable. For Atiku, the challenge lies in proving that the CPC bloc’s endorsement is not just symbolic, but capable of delivering votes.

Legacy on Trial

The contest has become a “legacy trial”—a battle over who defines and carries Buhari’s political memory. The outcome could reshape both APC and ADC ahead of 2027.

Atiku’s embrace of CPC loyalists signals momentum, while Tinubu’s Kaduna visit marks a dramatic assertion of presence. What remains to be seen is how far loyalties will shift, and whether they can redraw Nigeria’s electoral map.

One thing is certain: these are not routine political moves, but the opening shots in a fierce struggle over Buhari’s legacy—one that may decide the shape of Nigeria’s leadership in 2027.

Opinion Nigeria News