Former President Mohammadu Buhari’s men are championing the plot to unseat Tinubu come 2027, as more could join SDP after El-Rufai decamped.
Buhari’s Ex-Ministers Lead APC Defection Train to SDP
There are indications of a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly concerning the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as several former ministers from ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration are reportedly preparing for a mass exodus to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
A senator from the ninth Assembly, who requested to remain anonymous, disclosed that a minimum of ten former members of Buhari’s cabinet are set to make the transition.
“They are currently awaiting the finalisation of the party structure in their respective states,” the source noted.
Among the prominent figures leading this wave of defections are former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, and former Senate President Ahmed Lawan.
Their departure highlights the fracturing ties within the APC that could have serious implications for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
El-Rufai Makes First Move to unseat Tinubu.
One of Buhari’s loyalists, former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, recently announced his shift to the SDP, citing a fundamental misalignment with the APC’s current direction as the core reason for his decision.
“Developments in the last two years confirm that those who currently control and run the APC do not desire to acknowledge, much less address, the party’s unhealthy situation,” El-Rufai stated, underscoring deep-rooted dissatisfaction within party ranks.
He openly criticised Tinubu’s administration, asserting that his alignment with Buhari remained steadfast. “I left the APC with his (Buhari’s) full knowledge… My first godfather is Muhammadu Buhari,” he affirmed in a recent interview. Such loyalty may indicate an undercurrent of expectation that Buhari’s influence could steer future political dynamics, and the eventual outcomes of the impending coalition could present formidable challenges to Tinubu’s hold on power.
CPC Bloc to Work Against Tinubu. Want to unseat him
El-Rufai’s departure triggered a cascade of resignations, especially from members of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc within the APC. These movements not only signal a growing discontent but also reveal the fractured alliances that were once the backbone of the APC’s formation in 2013.
The CPC’s exit may radically alter the party’s structure and electoral viability, raising questions about Tinubu’s ability to maintain a consolidated front heading into his re-election campaign. With foundational party members departing, their support base may also dwindle, making it harder for Tinubu to rally voters.
Other Politicians Leaving
The reasons behind these defections extend beyond mere dissatisfaction. “It is not about ousting Tinubu in 2027 but about our conviction that we have better and more credible constitutional alternatives to offer Nigerians,” an aide to one of the defectors articulated. This perspective implies that the disintegration of support for Tinubu may not just be a response to his governance style but could also signify a potential coalition aiming to reshape the political landscape ahead of the next election.
While Tinubu’s administration faces mounting criticism, former ministers, senators, and governors are reportedly rallying to establish a unified front that could challenge the existing order. It reflects a wider trend of political realignment in Nigeria, where factions from different parties are beginning to flirt with collaboration, potentially gearing themselves up for a future electoral challenge to Tinubu’s leadership.
Consequences for Tinubu Re-election as plot to unseat him tickens
The implications of these mass defections for President Tinubu’s re-election aspirations are significant. As foundational party members disclose their intentions to realign politically, it raises urgent questions about APC’s sustainability as a formidable political force. With key figures expressing grievances publicly, the narrative surrounding Tinubu could shift from one of unity and strength to one of vulnerability and fragmentation.
A prominent APC chieftain declared, “You don’t grow by reducing in size,” reflecting a consensus that the depletion of party numbers could lead to diminished political capital.
Moreover, as stakeholders from various regions and factions converge, it is clear that the landscape will be marked by increasing polarization as politicians essentially position themselves for an expected coalition. “We are in discussions with many people across the country,” former Minister Solomon Lalong remarked, hinting at the emergent political coalition that seeks to unify various dissenting voices against Tinubu’s governance.
In essence, the rise of the SDP as a bastion for disaffected APC members marks a critical juncture in Nigeria’s political narrative, indicating that President Tinubu’s pathway to re-election will involve navigating these emerging coalitions and long-standing grievances within his own party. As these dynamics evolve, the incumbent may need to recalibrate his strategies and strengthen his alliances if he hopes to maintain his political foothold.
