Buhari’s Endorsement Irrelevant for 2027 – Babachir Lawal Declares as CPC Rift Widens

In a bold declaration that underscores Nigeria’s deepening political realignment, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has dismissed the necessity of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s endorsement to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election. Speaking in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, Lawal criticized political actors seeking Buhari’s approval, branding them as individuals “chasing shadows.”

His remarks come amid rising tensions within the political circles of the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly among members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), now a legacy component of the APC.

Battle Lines Drawn as Babachir Champions the Talakawa

The keyword “B” in this development represents both Babachir and the battle for the soul of Nigerian politics. Lawal, who was a founding member of the CPC, passionately asserted that true members of the defunct party—grounded in pro-poor ideology—are ready to unseat any administration that perpetuates poverty and suffering among the masses.

“These guys have given us a reason to come against them because the CPC is a Talakawa Movement,” Lawal stated. “It’s a movement that has at heart the needs and feelings of the lower class. That is our ideology, which we learned from Buhari.”

He argued that Tinubu’s administration has contradicted the very principles upon which the CPC was built—principles rooted in social justice, inclusiveness, and empathy for the disenfranchised. According to Lawal, any genuine CPC loyalist would naturally oppose a government “that brings pain and impoverishment to the people.”

Taking a swipe at those invoking Buhari’s influence, Lawal made it clear that Buhari’s backing is not required for their cause. “We only needed to tell him what we wanted to do because we were adults,” he said. “Even if Buhari says, ‘Hey gentlemen, I will join you,’ it is our responsibility to say, ‘No, Oga please keep off.’”

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Opposition Coalition Gains Momentum

Lawal, who has allied with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, confirmed that discussions for a merger or coalition are already in advanced stages. This alliance, he believes, has the potential to challenge Tinubu’s hold on power and reshape Nigeria’s political direction.

While APC leaders and governors reportedly paid a Sallah visit to Buhari recently, Lawal dismissed it as political posturing. “We know what they went there to say,” he claimed, warning that Buhari’s legacy should not be misused to legitimize policies or alliances that contradict his ideology.

He also rebuked some former CPC stalwarts who continue to align with Tinubu’s administration. Lawal referred to them as the “black sheep” of the movement—individuals who had joined the CPC for personal gain rather than ideological commitment.

Shittu, Malami, Al-Makura Draw Fire

Lawal’s statements were in direct response to former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, who had dismissed the CPC as a “dead horse” during a recent appearance on Channels TV. Shittu had described Lawal and others as “mischief makers” trying to resuscitate a party that no longer exists.

In retaliation, Lawal said, “We know that not everybody can withstand hunger. Even in the CPC, there were black sheep. Some people joined CPC hoping to get one or two things. But at heart, they were not CPC.”

He implied that individuals like Shittu, and possibly others such as former Attorney General Abubakar Malami and ex-Nasarawa Governor Tanko Al-Makura, were opportunists clinging to the APC for the sake of political appointments. “There are still positions Bola Tinubu will give out,” Lawal said mockingly. “The ambassadorial list and board members are not complete… Quite a lot of people are free to haggle for those positions.”

Efforts to reach Malami and Al-Makura for comments proved unsuccessful as of press time.

Looking Ahead to 2027

Babachir Lawal’s comments have intensified the ongoing debate about the APC’s internal divisions and the future of Nigeria’s opposition landscape. His call to action signals a broader ideological war between those who believe in the CPC’s original mission and those who view the political terrain through the lens of patronage and survival.

While the 2027 elections remain two years away, Lawal’s defiance and commitment to a Talakawa-driven agenda are likely to resonate with Nigerians increasingly frustrated by economic hardship and social inequality. Whether Buhari joins the fray or stays on the sidelines, it is clear that the political tides are shifting—possibly against the very party he helped build.