Some loyalists of former President Muhammadu Buhari have declared their support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 elections, dealing a major blow to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The group, made up of state chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Buhari’s first political platform, met with Atiku on Monday at his residence in Abuja. Atiku is leading a coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and promised to work with the bloc to reshape Nigeria’s politics.
The CPC leaders accused the Tinubu-led APC government of abandoning the ideals that united Buhari’s supporters in 2015.
One CPC leader said, “We are the true followers of Buhari, and we are here today, Sir. 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.”
Another member compared Buhari’s era with the current government, saying, “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.”
Related Stories:
- Presidency Dismisses Atiku’s Warning of Revolution, Cites Economic Gains
- Tinubu Ends Six-Month State of Emergency in Rivers State
Atiku welcomed the endorsement, describing it as an important step toward building a strong alliance capable of challenging the APC.
“I am particularly delighted to receive you today. This meeting represents a continuation of your journey and your struggles. With your support, we will be able to translate this journey into success,” Atiku said.
He added that his goal is to form a government that reflects “the vision of inclusivity and service to the people, a government responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens and committed to peace and unity across Nigeria.”
Atiku also urged them to mobilise their supporters to register to vote.
“I encouraged them to mobilise their supporters for the ongoing voter registration exercise,” he said.
The meeting marks one of the first major political shifts ahead of 2027 and signals a potential realignment that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, especially in the North, where Buhari still holds strong grassroots influence.