By Emeka Blast 
Tinubu Faces Rift as Late Buhari’s Camp Considers Exit – ADC
The death of former President Muhammadu Buhari on July 13, 2025, has ignited a political firestorm, with loyalists from his defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) signaling their intent to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 elections. The move, described as a “political earthquake” by analysts, threatens to erode President Bola Tinubu’s support base, particularly in the North, where Buhari commanded a cult-like following estimated at over 12 million.
The interim National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, told Punch that many Buhari loyalists, including high-profile figures like former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, have already joined the ADC coalition. “Most of Buhari’s loyalists are already with us,” Abdullahi said, accusing the Tinubu administration of scapegoating Buhari for Nigeria’s economic woes. “Why would they remain in the APC? Is it to endure the humiliation and exclusion they’ve suffered?” he asked, pointing to the administration’s criticism of Buhari’s legacy.
The defection wave gained momentum with the exit of Aliyu Saulawa, a former media director for Buhari’s campaign and national coordinator of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Movement, who joined the ADC on Sunday in Katsina. Saulawa, speaking at the ADC’s Katsina State chapter inauguration, cited insecurity, economic hardship, and unfulfilled promises as reasons for leaving the APC, joined by hundreds from the APC, PDP, and NNPP.
Salihu Lukman, a former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West) now with the ADC, emphasized the need for humility among coalition leaders to build a new political template. Speaking on Arise TV, he noted, “We don’t have someone with Buhari’s intimidating profile anymore. Politicians must engage citizens with humility, not arrogance.” Lukman highlighted that Buhari’s endorsement once guaranteed electoral success in the North, a void the ADC aims to fill through teamwork and policy-driven campaigns.
However, APC’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the defection speculations, insisting Buhari’s loyalists remain ideologically aligned with the ruling party. Some CPC figures, including Katsina Governor Dikko Radda and Senator Tanko Al-Makura, have stayed with the APC, with analyst Ahmed Sani arguing, “Buhari vowed to remain with the APC, which made him president twice. His supporters won’t betray him, even in his grave.”
The ADC, bolstered by heavyweights like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi, is positioning itself as a formidable opposition to challenge Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. Former Senate President David Mark, the ADC’s interim chairman, warned of attempts to derail the coalition but vowed to present a unified candidate.
