APC Loyalty Intact Amid Buhari’s Exit: CPC Loyalists Unmoved by Defection Rumors

 “Allies Assert Ideological Bond with APC”

As Nigeria continues to grapple with the aftermath of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s death, the political landscape is undergoing a notable period of introspection. Yet, amid widespread speculation of a defection wave within the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc — a core element of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—party insiders remain adamant that loyalty to the APC remains firm.

In a recent interview, Bala Ibrahim, the APC’s Director of Publicity, addressed these speculations head-on. Ibrahim clarified that the loyalists of the late Buhari, particularly those who have their roots in the CPC, are not entertaining thoughts of switching allegiance to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or any other political platform.

“They are more comfortable with and in APC,” he stated, dismissing claims that ideological dissatisfaction could splinter the ruling coalition. According to him, Buhari’s demise, while a significant emotional and symbolic loss, is not a political undoing for the party. Instead, it signals a phase of reflection and internal consolidation. “The party is doing something to reconcile, reassess the situation, and see to it that there is a very good sense of mending,” he added.

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CPC Veterans Reaffirm Commitment

Adebayo Shittu, a notable CPC stalwart and former Minister of Communications, also spoke on the matter. Firmly denying any plans to leave the APC, Shittu announced his intention to run for the Oyo State governorship in 2027 under the same party.

“No way, I am not leaving the APC,” he asserted. “I have no doubt I will defeat any opponent to clinch it if I am given the APC ticket.”

Shittu’s remarks reflect a sentiment shared by many from the CPC extraction: that Buhari’s legacy is best preserved within the party that helped elevate him to Nigeria’s highest office. While acknowledging that a few individuals might explore other political interests, Shittu maintained that more members are joining than leaving, and the core of the CPC bloc remains loyal.

Supporters Hold the Line: “Buhari’s Legacy Lives On in APC”

Anthony Sani, former Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum, echoed the prevailing view. He emphasized that Buhari’s death, while a moment of national reflection, does not translate into a seismic political shift. Sani argued that the ideological roots of CPC members are deeply embedded in the APC, and the loyalty that brought Buhari to power will not fade with his passing.

“Given the attitude of his supporters, I do not see how they will betray Buhari, even in his grave,” Sani remarked. He also noted that the current political zoning structure makes it unlikely that any effective coalition outside of the APC could challenge its dominance. He highlighted a general lack of coherence among opposition alternatives, stressing that the North is unlikely to rally behind Peter Obi or Atiku Abubakar.

A Warning From the Youth: “A Vacuum Must Be Managed”

Yet, not all voices in the North are singing from the same hymn book. Yerima Shettima, President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, offered a more cautious perspective. He acknowledged Buhari’s dual legacy of unity and divisiveness and warned that his absence could leave a critical leadership gap.

“The APC would face a critical juncture in its trajectory,” Shettima warned. “If the party fails to address the grievances of the populace, it risks losing credibility and support.”

Shettima’s statement underscores a potential vulnerability. While the CPC bloc remains intact for now, the political capital once embodied by Buhari must be redistributed wisely. The direction the APC chooses in the coming months could determine whether it continues to dominate or begins to fracture under the weight of internal contradictions and public dissatisfaction.

Outlook: A Party at the Crossroads, But Not Crumbling

As of now, the APC appears to be holding its ground. The loyalty of Buhari’s core allies is a significant buffer against immediate disintegration. Still, the late president’s death has created a sobering moment for reflection — one that demands strategic recalibration from the party’s leadership.

Whether through ideological reinforcement, strategic zoning, or simply strong internal reconciliation, APC insiders believe they can weather the post-Buhari era without fracturing. The question is whether they can continue to deliver governance that justifies that loyalty.