All Progressives Congress (APC) Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, has insisted that loyalists of the late former President, Muhammadu Buhari, remain ideologically aligned with the ruling party.
Naijaonpoint reports that Ibrahim made this known in response to speculation about the growing defection of the CPC bloc.
In an interview with Punch, Ibrahim admitted that Buhari’s passing created a vacuum and will change the party’s political atmosphere, but the CPC bloc and loyalists of the late former President will not join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He said, “No, they will not support ADC, it’s not possible. They are people of different ideologies. They are more comfortable with and in APC.
“Yes, the political atmosphere will change for our party. But it is not a vacuum that will deform the party. It is a vacuum that will push the party into sobriety… The party is doing something to reconcile, reassess the situation, and see to it that there is a very good sense of mending.”
Reacting to rumours linking him with a move to the ADC, former Minister of Communications Adebayo Shittu, a CPC veteran, stated that he is not leaving the party but plans to contest the Oyo State Governorship election on the APC platform in 2027.
On the wider implications of Buhari’s death, Shittu said the recent death will not break or divide the APC.
He said, “No way, I am not leaving the APC. In fact, I am even planning to run for Oyo governorship seat on the platform of the party in 2027. And I have no doubt I will defeat any opponent to clinch it if I am given the APC ticket.
“No, the exit of Buhari can’t break up or divide the APC. Although you can’t rule out the fact that some elements of CPC may go… there are more people moving into the APC.”
Similarly, former Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Anthony Sani, said Buahri’s death will not bring about any substantial change in the party, and his supporters will not betray him.
Sani also cast doubts on the viability of the coalition, citing a lack of policy differentiation and unfavourable zoning dynamics.
He said, “I do not think there will be any substantial change in direction by the APC after the death of former President Buhari. He said he would remain in the APC, which had made him President twice. Given the attitude of his supporters, I do not see how they will betray Buhari, even in his grave.
“The politics of zoning does not favour the coalition. President Tinubu is about the only one who has only one term to go, and northerners cannot trust Peter Obi, they cannot support Atiku Abubakar to dismantle the zoning.”
In contrast, the President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Yerima Shettima, warned that Buhari’s death could create a power vacuum within the APC.
He emphasised that managing Buhari’s legacy would determine whether the party rallies or unravels.
He stated, “Buhari’s leadership was characterised by a blend of loyalty and divisiveness. His death could trigger a power vacuum. The APC would face a critical juncture in its trajectory.
“If the party fails to address the grievances of the populace, it risks losing credibility and support.”