Tinubu Faces Internal Revolt as Buhari Loyalists Align with Opposition Ahead of 2027 Elections

As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 general elections, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is encountering rising resistance—not from the opposition alone, but increasingly from within his own political fold.

What began as behind-the-scenes discontent in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has now morphed into open defiance, led by influential allies of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Notable figures such as former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, and former ministers Rotimi Amaechi and Abubakar Malami are now aligning with opposition forces in a growing coalition aimed at derailing Tinubu’s second-term ambitions.

Adding weight to the opposition is a new political platform: the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which has controversially installed former Senate President David Mark as interim national chairman and ex-Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola as secretary. The coalition also includes former APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, further underscoring the internal cracks within the ruling party.

Fragile Foundations, Deepening Divisions

The APC’s formation in 2013 was a merger of Tinubu’s Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Buhari’s Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP)—a union born of political convenience rather than ideological alignment. While Tinubu’s political machinery in the South-West played a decisive role in Buhari’s 2015 victory, their alliance has since unraveled.

By 2023, Tinubu’s presidential bid—described by him as a “lifelong ambition”—faced internal resistance. He secured the APC ticket and won the general election despite controversy surrounding the naira redesign, a same-faith ticket, and questions about his health. Yet, he lost in the three core northern states of Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina—long considered Buhari strongholds.

His fallout with El-Rufai marked a turning point. Although initially nominated for a ministerial role, El-Rufai was dropped following a negative security report. The former governor reportedly lashed out during a May gathering, saying, “Forgive me for bringing this evil Tinubu to power in 2023. It won’t happen again in 2027. The guy is gone.” The statement went viral, galvanizing opposition elements in the North.

El-Rufai has since joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), where he is believed to be coordinating efforts to build a broader alliance encompassing elements of the ADC, PDP, SDP, and disaffected APC members.

A Coalition with Big Names—and Big Questions

The emerging opposition bloc includes prominent political heavyweights: Atiku Abubakar, Sule Lamido, David Mark, Aminu Tambuwal, Amaechi, and Babachir Lawal. However, its cohesion and ideological consistency remain in doubt.

ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, has dismissed the group’s activities, arguing they are backed by a defunct leadership whose mandate expired in 2022. “We are watching with amusement,” he said.

Despite the growing rebellion, President Tinubu remains politically resolute. A senior aide, speaking anonymously, said the president is “unfazed” and is actively reconfiguring his alliances. “Remember 2023? They said he wouldn’t survive the Muslim-Muslim ticket. They said he wouldn’t clinch the APC ticket. He did both. Don’t write him off,” the aide noted.

There are also reports that Tinubu may consider replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima with former Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as part of a broader northern recalibration.

Buhari’s Loyalists Rally Behind Tinubu

In contrast to the defectors, several Buhari-era figures have reaffirmed their loyalty to Tinubu. Under the umbrella of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc within the APC, key Buhari allies met recently in Abuja to declare their support for the president.

Among those who backed Tinubu were:

• Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives (represented)

• Dr. Dikko Radda, Governor of Katsina State (represented)

• Umar Bago, Governor of Niger State (represented)

• Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs

• Senator Tanko Al-Makura, former Nasarawa State Governor

• Aminu Bello Masari, ex-Governor of Katsina State and former Speaker

• General Buba Marwa (rtd), NDLEA Chairman

Speaking at the event, Hon. Farouk Adamu emphasized that the group continues to stand with Tinubu. “We are with Tinubu just like our leader (Buhari), and it is our conviction that Tinubu will continue to be our candidate in 2027,” he stated.

2027: A Political Rematch in the Making?

The anti-Tinubu bloc believes it can replicate the 2015 upset that unseated then-incumbent Goodluck Jonathan. But political observers warn that underestimating Tinubu—a veteran strategist credited with delivering Lagos to the opposition in 1999—would be a miscalculation.

With a fragmented PDP, a divided APC, and a volatile political landscape, the battle for 2027 is already shaping up to be one of Nigeria’s most consequential elections.

Notable Buhari-Era Figures Now in ADC Coalition:

• Rotimi Amaechi

• Abubakar Malami

• Hadi Sirika

• Rauf Aregbesola

• Kashim Imam

• Chief John Odigie-Oyegun