Some loyalists of former President, Muhammadu Buhari, in a dramatic political twist ahead of the 2027 general elections, have declared support for former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, signalling widening cracks within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Naijaonpoint reports that the declaration was made during a private meeting in Abuja, where state chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Buhari’s original political platform, converged on Atiku’s residence to chart a new political direction.
Atiku, who is leading efforts to build a broad coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), hosted the delegation and pledged to partner with them in reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape.
The CPC bloc, widely seen as Buhari’s most loyal political base, accused the present administration of betraying the ideals that united the coalition, which swept APC to power in 2015.
According to Vanguard, one of the leaders told Atiku, “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.”
The group’s open allegiance to Atiku has intensified internal tensions within APC and could alter political calculations ahead of 2027, particularly in the North, where Buhari retains profound grassroots influence.
Another CPC leader, comparing the Buhari era with the present government, argued that the current administration had deviated from the movement’s values.
“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,” he remarked.
Atiku Welcomes Alliance
In his response, Atiku described the move as a step towards building a formidable front capable of challenging the 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 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 stated.
He urged the CPC bloc to mobilise its supporters for the ongoing voter registration exercise, stressing its importance in shaping the 2027 outcome.
“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.