Politics
2027: APC, anti-Tinubu coalition battle for Buhari’s support
The All Progressives Congress and governors elected under the party are actively working to stop former President Muhammadu Buhari and his loyalists from aligning with opposition figures.
According to an insider at the APC National Secretariat, this is the reason behind the visits of the National Working Committee and APC governors to Buhari at his residence in Kaduna State.
Beyond the claim of a Sallah visit, the credible source stated that the NWC and the APC governors visited Buhari over growing concern that the ‘body language’ of the former president was not in favour of the party.
“The leaders are concerned that the ex-president has withdrawn and shown limited support for the current government. They observed that opposition figures have taken advantage of Buhari’s openness to create the impression that his spirit and body language are no longer with the APC. That is why the NWC had to visit him to show that he still belongs to the APC and ward off any negative impression among party members, especially from his followers in the North.
“Importantly, the party acknowledges that the North is uncomfortable with President Bola Tinubu’s administration and is clearly planning not to support his second term. The APC leadership decided to dissuade the former president from making himself available to opposition figures who have been visiting him,” the impeccable source said.
The insider told Sunday PUNCH that the APC leadership had taken “Buhari’s body language more seriously,” noting that they could not afford to let the opposition “hijack” him from them.
He said, “The party leaders have realised that there is fire on the mountain, and they have begun to move closer to Buhari than before. The body language of the former president clearly shows that his spirit is no longer with the APC. They are now taking his actions and inactions more seriously. The leaders are trying to ensure that the APC doesn’t lose Buhari and his followers to the strategic moves of the likes of Atiku.”
Coalition befriends Buhari
Buhari’s residence in Kaduna has become a sort of Mecca since the Eid-il-Fitr celebrations, especially following reports that the Congress for Progressive Change bloc of the APC and some former ministers who served under the ex-president were planning to defect to the Social Democratic Party.
One of Buhari’s loyalists and former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, defected to the SDP on March 15, citing a growing misalignment between his personal values and the current direction of the APC as the primary reason for his decision.
El-Rufai, a vocal critic of President Tinubu’s administration, revealed that he sought Buhari’s approval before leaving the APC.
Buhari’s loyalists in the defections were the former National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Adamu, and former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
Following the report, APC governors visited Buhari on April 7 and held a closed-door meeting with him.
The governors reportedly pleaded with Buhari to halt the defections, promising that the party would address the grievances of his loyalists.
However, three days later (April 11), opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and governors of Kaduna and Sokoto states, Nasir El-Rufai and Aminu Tambuwal, among other notable politicians, also visited Buhari.
Atiku, speaking to journalists at Buhari’s residence, said the visit was for Sallah homage, explaining that it was not part of any opposition coalition talks.
“We came here on courtesy and Sallah greetings visit to President Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.
When asked about plans to form a major opposition party, Atiku acknowledged ongoing discussions but made it clear that this was not the purpose of the visit.
“There is a plan for the major political parties to come together and form a strong opposition, but it is not part of this visit,” Atiku stated.
Also speaking during the visit, El-Rufai said the meeting had no political undertones, advising “adversaries” not to lose sleep over it.
However, in a swift move, the APC NWC, led by the party Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, stormed Buhari’s residence a few hours after the opposition leaders left.
Addressing journalists after the visit, Ganduje said the APC was not worried by Atiku’s visit, describing it as another attempt to repeat history.
“What they are trying to build is not viable. Some particles simply cannot come together. We are not worried at all,” he stated.
Ganduje explained that the APC leaders visited Buhari to brief him on the party’s progress since his exit from office and to reaffirm their commitment to upholding his legacy.Although all political figures involved in the visit described it as mere Sallah homage, there are indications that both the ruling party and opposition leaders are courting the former president’s support.
Buhari’s influence in the North has been a significant strength for the APC, which is now facing growing resentment from northerners.
This is as the former president maintained that he remained with the APC and would forever appreciate the party for giving him the platform to be a two-term president.
Visitations about 2027 elections
Sources close to former president Atiku told Sunday PUNCH that the visits were related to the 2027 general elections.
“It’s all about the 2027 general election, particularly the presidency. The visit was geared towards coalition building, not a merger,” one of the sources said.
Another source added, “The visit is to poach Buhari’s loyalists from the APC bloc. These are forces to reckon with since Tinubu has abandoned them, and they know that Buhari cannot help anyone in the 2027 elections. The only option is for Atiku to poach loyalists of the former president from the CPC bloc.”
Atiku had on March 20 announced the formation of a Coalition of Opposition Political Parties to oust President Tinubu in 2027, amid growing resentment against the president in the North.
“Many northerners are unhappy with the current government, except those in the government. A lot is being done to remove Tinubu in 2027,” a political leader in Kaduna State said.
Our correspondent gathered that Atiku and other northerners were intensifying efforts to gain Buhari’s support through his loyalists in the former CPC, now part of the APC.
Why APC, anti-Tinubu politicians want Buhari’s support – Associate
But Mohammed Lawal, a long-time political associate of Buhari, said the ex-president could not stop his loyalists from leaving the APC if they wanted to.
Lawal, who was the deputy director of the Buhari Presidential Campaign Council in 2015, noted that although Buhari had declared his position not to leave the APC, he would respect his loyalists’ decisions.
“The party (APC) gave him the chance to be president for two terms, so separating him from that party is not going to be easy; but there is a limit to which he can force his loyalists to work for the APC.
“For example, if President Buhari decides to support the coalition, I’m sure you will see that in the 90 per cent of his people that are in the coalition, and what is he going to do? Is it to fight against the 90 per cent? So, that is what you are seeing now; everybody is struggling to reach him.
“But there is a limit to what he can do and if 80 or 90 per cent of his people decide to leave, he has to decide.”
Lawal, however, queried the appointments of President Tinubu and the economic hardship in the country.
He said, “It has never been done the way it is (being) done; every administration that has come use to incline a little bit towards its own people either being ethnicity, religion, but this one actually it’s too much according to what you are hearing and what you are seeing within the country.”
On Buhari’s relevance, the associate said, “Buhari is still a big interest within the political circle in the North; how many former heads of states do we have that went through the political rigmarole to become president in the North? I don’t think there is anyone behind Buhari now. Babangida was Head of State with his military background, so also General Abudulsallam; Shagari is gone. So naturally, politicians in the North, even those that are outside APC will look towards Buhari for political direction and advice, so do not be surprised if you see Buhari’s residence in Kaduna being turned into a political Mecca of some sort. I’m not surprised; Buhari is going to continue to be more relevant, especially as 2027 is going to be very tough politically for this country.”
Lawal also noted that opposition figures sought Buhari’s support far ahead because they recognized his electoral value.
He said the ex-president would take the right decision no matter what anyone said about him.
The Senate Leader, Senator Bamidele Opeyemi, has revealed plans to sponsor a bill seeking a single six-year tenure for presidents and governors after the 2027 general elections.
Bamidele said the proposed legislation would be among the first bills he intends to introduce in the next Senate, arguing that the reform would enable elected leaders to focus more on governance and less on re-election campaigns.
According to him, the current two-term arrangement often compels officeholders to devote a significant portion of their first term to political calculations and preparations for a second election.
He maintained that a single six-year tenure would eliminate the distractions associated with seeking re-election and allow leaders to concentrate fully on implementing policies and delivering on their mandates.
The Senate Leader acknowledged that the proposal may not receive universal support but insisted that lawmakers have a duty to initiate reforms they believe will strengthen governance and improve the nation’s democratic process.
Bamidele further argued that laws should evolve to reflect changing realities and societal needs, stressing that constitutional and electoral reforms remain essential to deepening democracy.
The proposed change, if eventually adopted, would require amendments to the Nigerian Constitution before it can take effect.
A delegation from the Kwankwasiyya Movement has held a closed-door meeting with the National Leader of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and the party’s national leadership in a bid to resolve internal disagreements in Kano State.
According to a statement issued by the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., the meeting, which lasted several hours, focused on addressing issues between the Kwankwasiyya Movement and legacy officials of the party in Kano.
The statement noted that Senator Dickson and the NDC leadership are currently facilitating discussions aimed at fostering inclusion, unity, and active participation among all party stakeholders.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, stressing that it would not impose candidates in Kano State or any other part of the country.
“The NDC leadership will not impose candidates in Kano State, and indeed across the nation, as the party cherishes the virtues of internal democracy,” the statement said.
It described the meeting as productive and expressed optimism that the ongoing engagements would strengthen cohesion and promote harmony within the party.
The NDC also dismissed reports circulating on social media purporting to contain results of its primary elections, clarifying that no official primary election results have been released in any state.
The party therefore urged its members and the general public to disregard any unofficial lists or purported election results currently in circulation.
BY PETRUS OBI
As the political atmosphere gradually thickens ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State, one name continues to dominate discussions within opposition circles: Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii. Having emerged as one of the most formidable opposition figures in the state, Odii appears poised to make another attempt at the governorship. The question many are asking is whether the prevailing political climate, both nationally and locally, could finally provide the conditions needed for him to achieve what eluded him in previous contests.
Across Nigeria, economic hardship has become the defining issue of the moment. Rising inflation, worsening poverty, unemployment, and persistent insecurity have fueled public frustration. Whether fairly or unfairly, many Nigerians associate these challenges with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. If this sentiment remains strong heading into 2027, opposition candidates across the country could benefit from a growing appetite for change.
In the Southeast, that desire for change has increasingly found expression through the political movement associated with Peter Obi. Obi’s political influence appears to remain significant and, by some accounts, continues to grow. He was recently affirmed as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and subsequently named Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate, creating what many observers see as one of the most formidable opposition tickets ahead of 2027. The alliance combines Obi’s strong support in the South and among younger voters with Kwankwaso’s political network in parts of Northern Nigeria.
For Odii, the rise of an Obi-led opposition movement could prove politically valuable. In 2023, the “Obi effect” transformed voting patterns across many parts of the Southeast. Should that momentum persist into 2027, opposition candidates at the state level may enjoy increased voter enthusiasm, especially among youths, professionals, and first-time voters seeking an alternative to the political status quo.
Yet national sentiment alone does not win governorship elections in Nigeria. Elections are ultimately fought and won through organization, mobilization, and resources. Here, Odii possesses what many consider his greatest advantage. He is widely regarded as one of the most financially capable politicians in Ebonyi State. In a political environment where campaign logistics, grassroots mobilization, media visibility, and election-day operations require enormous resources, financial capacity remains a critical factor. While money does not guarantee victory, it can significantly enhance a candidate’s ability to compete effectively across all 13 local government areas.
Beyond resources, Odii has built substantial name recognition and a political brand that resonates with many voters. His philanthropic activities over the years have created networks of goodwill that could serve as an important political asset. Unlike a newcomer seeking to introduce himself to the electorate, Odii enters the contest with an established profile and a support base that has remained active despite previous electoral setbacks.
However, the greatest obstacle before him remains the formidable structure of the ruling APC. Incumbency, political networks, grassroots structures, and control of key political machinery continue to give the ruling party a significant advantage. The APC remains deeply entrenched in Ebonyi politics and cannot be dismissed simply because of national dissatisfaction with the federal government.
Nevertheless, recent political developments, including defections from the ruling party to opposition platforms, suggest that the political landscape may not be as settled as it once appeared. If those defections continue and are accompanied by growing public frustration over economic conditions, the opposition could enter 2027 with a stronger platform than many anticipated.
Ultimately, the 2027 Ebonyi governorship election may be shaped by a convergence of factors: economic hardship, the growing appeal of political change, the influence of Peter Obi’s movement, Odii’s financial strength, and the ability of the opposition to build a cohesive statewide structure. If these elements align, Odii could emerge as the strongest challenger the APC has faced in years.
For now, the battle for Ebonyi appears to be evolving into a contest between the power of incumbency and the growing demand for change. In that contest, Odii may believe that the political winds are beginning to blow in his direction. Whether those winds become a storm strong enough to sweep away the ruling establishment remains the defining question of Ebonyi politics as 2027 approaches.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Project Monitoring, Mr Felix Igboke, has resigned his position and defected to the Peoples Democratic Party.
Igboke, who officially announced his defection on Sunday during a PDP gathering attended by party leaders, executives and supporters in Isu, Onicha Local Government Area of the state, said he defected with more than 10,000 supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He described his return to the PDP as a homecoming, noting that his political journey began with the party.
Igboke said his decision was informed by the need to align with a political platform capable of advancing the interests of the people and promoting inclusive development in the state.
“I am happy to return to the political platform that built me. I served as a councillor, development centre coordinator and chairman of Onicha Local Government Area under the same party before I joined the APC,” he said.
“I am grateful to the PDP family in Ebonyi State, especially the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma-Odii, the incoming governor,” he added.
The state chairman of the PDP, Mr Chukwuma Igwe, who welcomed the defectors, described Igboke’s return to the party as a major boost to its fortunes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also speaking, the PDP candidate for the Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency seat in 2027, Mr Eni-Uduma Chima, said the party was experiencing rapid growth across Ebonyi.
Chima expressed optimism that the increasing support base would translate into electoral victories for the PDP in future elections.
He urged party members to remain united and committed to strengthening the party’s structures at the grassroots level.
The event attracted party faithful, community leaders and supporters from various parts of the state, who pledged their continued support for the PDP.
(NAN)
…donates N300 million to back Mbah’s re-election
By Chinedu Sabastine
The people of Enugu East Senatorial Zone, Saturday turned out en masse to endorse President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Peter Mbah for a second term in office, come, 2027.
At a rally tagged, “Ofu Obi Mega Solidarity Rally,” held at Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu, the people of the zone not only endorsed Mbah as their sole governorship candidate but also donated the sum of three hundred million Naira, N300 million, to procure nomination form for the governor.
Earlier, elders and traditional rulers from the senatorial district presented Gov. Mbah with a totem, Ofo, as a sign of their support and solidarity.
Prominent sons and daughters attended the rally in their numbers including the former governor of the old Anambra State, Sen. Jim Nwobodo and the former Senate President Ken Nnamani were among the top citizens of the zone that graced the occasion.
Speaking, Gov. Mbah, overjoyed with the show of support and solidarity from his people, said that he was overwhelmed.
Mbah noted that at an earlier rally held at Nsukka by the Enugu North Senatorial Zone, the turn out and mobilization was impressive but that of the Enugu was stunning.
“This is massive. I have used this word before but this one is mind blowing. The last time I was at Nsukka, I saw a sea of heads but this one quite stunning,” Mbah declared pointing out that he lacked words to show he delighted he was.
He pointed out that the endorsement of President Tinubu was also highly appreciated and added that the show of solidarity was highly appreciated.
According to Mbah, his people did a similar thing in 2023 and were re-affirming their support again this time around.
“Four years ago, you presented your son as a governor and today, you are re-affirming the import of that presentation and the import of what you are doing today cannot be lost on us.
“This show of affection and support is beyond symbolicism and my heart is full of gratitude, gratitude because you have always stood firmly like a rock behind me,”he said.
Gov. Mbah said that four years ago, his people did something that defined an era, stressing that what they did has today produced tangible results because today, Enugu has air transports, EnuguAir, a remodeled Hotel Presidential, completed and functional International Conference Centre, ICC, transport terminal as well as CNG buses with Air conditioner and wifi services as well as Green and Smart Schools and Type 2 primary health centres among others.
He said that when he assumed office, he sign a citizens charter to deliver good governance to the people and has been living up to it.
Expressing hope that if returned as a governor, come 2027 he would do more, pointing out that in no distant time, Enugu will begin to experience uninterrupted power supply by launching a 36O mega watts of electricity through a Coal fire powered plant.
With that he said, citizens of the state will stay in the state to do business instead of moving out to other cities in Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking earlier, former governor, Jim Nwobodo, while endorsing Mbah for a second term in office said that other governors before Mbah did eight years and that it would be good that he too go for a second term in office because he has performed and is performing.
“I didn’t come here for party. Others did eight years and now Mbah will do eight years. He is doing well, let him complete his second term. As far as I am concerned, Peter Mbah will go for a second term.
“I don’t have much to say. I say the truth. Peter Mbah is doing well. It is not only APC that will vote. PDP, ADC and others will vote for Peter Mbah. Allow Peter Mbah to finish what he started,” Nwobodo declared.
On his part, the former Senate President, Ken Nnamani said that Mbah has shown that he has a vision and a mission and should be allowed to continue.
Nnamani urged those who are itching to compete with governor Mbah to steer clear because one does not rule with anger. “We have only one candidate and that is Gov. Mbah,” he emphasised.
The Deputy National Chairman (South) of the APC, Ben Nwoye, commended political leaders and stakeholders from Enugu East Senatorial District for endorsing President Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah for second terms in office, describing the move as a demonstration of political maturity and commitment to continuity.
He praised the district’s leaders for what he described as a visionary decision aimed at sustaining ongoing development efforts at both the federal and state levels.
“I have seen people like the former governor of old Anambra State; I have also seen the former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, and many of the founders and leaders of Enugu State here, all for the endorsement of our dear President Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah. I’m quite impressed because your presence shows political maturity,” Nwoye said.
He noted that continuity in leadership would provide the opportunity to consolidate achievements and complete projects already initiated by the two administrations.
Nwoye particularly lauded Governor Mbah for what he described as remarkable developmental strides across Enugu State, saying the governor had demonstrated commitment to transforming the state through infrastructure, economic and social development programmes.
According to him, Mbah’s performance has earned him support across political and regional divides.
The APC deputy national chairman also highlighted the importance of the governorship zoning arrangement in Enugu State, describing it as a major factor behind the peace and political stability the state has enjoyed since 1999.
Chairman of the Planning/Steering Committee that organised the mega rally, Ofu Obi Mega Rally, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, noted that Gov. Mbah by every ramification has shown the capacity to govern and should be allowed to continue with his good works and urged his people to give the governor their maximum support.
“Today is not just another political gathering. Today is a historic declaration of faith, unity, gratitude, and determination. Today, the people of Enugu East Senatorial Zone have risen with one voice, one spirit, and one mission to declare before the entire nation that we stand firmly, proudly, and unshakably behind the re-election of His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, come 2027.
“What we are witnessing here today is not an ordinary rally. This is the mother of all rallies. This is the gathering of a people united by progress, inspired by vision, and riven by the extraordinary transformation taking place across Enugu State under the purposeful leadership of Governor Peter Mbah. Our assembly here today offers us a unique opportunity to welcome home, our son in whom we are well pleased.
“My brothers and sisters, when leadership is visionary, the people rejoice. When leadership is courageous, development becomes visible. And when leadership is committed to the welfare of the people, hope returns to society.
“Governor Peter Mbah came into office with a clear vision to make Enugu State one of the leading economies in Nigeria, to create jobs for our youths, to modernize infrastructure, to secure our communities, to reposition education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and technology for the future.
“Today, that vision is no longer a promise; it is becoming a living reality before our very eyes. He came, he saw and he is conquering the development challenges and transforming the socio-political and economic landscape of the capital State of Eastern region. Across our roads, schools, hospitals, communities, and economic sectors, the evidence of transformational leadership is speaking louder than propaganda. The people can see the difference. The youths can feel the energy of a government working for them. Women can see renewed hope. Traders, farmers, civil servants, professionals, and entrepreneurs can testify that Enugu State is moving forward with confidence and speed.
“That is why we are gathered here today to celebrate and to consummate and express a collective resolve to queue and rally round this icon of leadership and enigmatic apostle of disruptive innovation, who is steadily taking us to the lofty heights of growth and stability. We are here today not because anybody forced us, but because gratitude compels us; because conviction unites us; because the future of Enugu State matters to us.
“This rally is a loud message to the entire nation that Enugu East Senatorial Zone and in deed Enugu State, stands solidly behind our son, our leader, our pride, Governor Peter Mbah. We are proud that he comes from our soil, but even more importantly, we are proud of the quality of leadership he has brought to Enugu State.”
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