In a dramatic twist that could reshape the 2027 political landscape, President Bola Tinubu is reportedly scrambling to prevent a mass defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC), as key figures from the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) threaten to jump ship. Sources say Tinubu has turned to former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura — a staunch ally of former President Muhammadu Buhari — to lead an emergency intervention and rally the wavering CPC bloc.
The revelation comes amid failed efforts by the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Working Committee (NWC), and the Progressive Governors’ Forum to convince Buhari to speak out and stop the looming exodus. The silence from Buhari’s camp has only intensified speculations of a coordinated defection by his loyalists, who feel increasingly sidelined in the Tinubu administration.
At the heart of the unrest are heavyweight politicians like former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, ex-Communications Minister Isa Pantami, and former Education Minister Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba. These top CPC figures are reportedly frustrated with the current administration’s leadership style and policy direction, and their departure could deal a devastating blow to the APC’s chances in 2027.
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In a bid to hold the party together, Tinubu is said to have dangled the powerful APC National Chairmanship position before Al-Makura, should he succeed in convincing Buhari to stop the defection. Insiders reveal that Al-Makura has called for a high-stakes press briefing on Monday, where he is expected to announce that Buhari has given his nod to efforts aimed at retaining the CPC bloc within the APC.
The power play comes as political heavyweights like Atiku Abubakar, Nasiru El-Rufai, Aminu Tambuwal, and Achike Udenwa are reportedly exploring alternative platforms and plotting a political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections. Their discontent with Tinubu’s leadership is fueling speculation of a potential coalition that could challenge the ruling party’s grip on power.
This high-stakes political chess game has thrown the APC into uncharted territory, with questions swirling about the party’s cohesion and electoral viability. As the countdown to 2027 begins, Tinubu’s desperate bid to contain a looming rebellion from the Buhari camp could determine not only the future of the APC but also the fate of Nigeria’s next presidential election.
