Why Former Buhari Loyalists Are Backing Tinubu, And What It Means for 2027

When old soldiers of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) suddenly rally around President Bola Tinubu, it sends a coded message across Nigeria’s political chessboard.

Last week’s gathering in Abuja didn’t just make headlines; it raised serious questions about the power dynamics within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Who Are the CPC Loyalists, and Why Should Citizens Care?

For those who’ve forgotten the CPC files, it was the very platform that Buhari rode into political stardom before merging into the APC juggernaut.

So when notable names like Senator Tanko Al-Makura, Governor Dikko Radda, Aminu Bello Masari, and even NDLEA boss Buba Marwa re-emerge under the CPC banner to back Tinubu, it’s not just a friendly reunion; it’s a strategic alignment.

Also present were Osita Okechukwu, Okoi Obono Obla, Farouk Adamu, and Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar.

These aren’t spectators; they are policy influencers, grassroots operators, and old guard insiders.

And that’s where it gets interesting.

Tinubu vs. Buhari | A Quiet Power Shift?

Whispers of internal cracks in the APC, between Buhari loyalists and Tinubu’s handlers, have been floating for months.

Some said former CPC stalwarts were ready to defect.

Others hinted at a cold war brewing beneath the surface. But this public declaration of support? It flips the script.

Notably absent? Buhari himself.

Does his silence signal disapproval?

Or is this part of the larger APC survival script? Either way, the endorsement sends a message: Tinubu isn’t isolated; he’s consolidating.

And those who once followed Buhari? They’re reading the room.

Does This Solidify Tinubu’s 2027 Ambition?

The endorsement wasn’t just a pat on the back. It came with a subtle 2027 declaration.

“We are with Tinubu just like our leader (Buhari), and it is our hope that Tinubu continues to remain our leader,” said Hon. Farouk Adamu.

Translation? Game on.

Even as some political groups test the waters for alternative candidates, Tinubu is stacking his deck early.

Having the old CPC bloc in his corner isn’t just symbolic; it’s strategic. It shields him from internal rebellion and presents a united front to voters and critics alike.

What Happens to the APC if This Faction Splits?

Here’s the kicker: while the CPC loyalists backed Tinubu, they were quick to throw shade at those allegedly plotting under the CPC name.

“If you want to pursue your political ambition, do it in your name, not ours.”

That’s more than a rebuke. It’s a warning.

If these factions stay intact, Tinubu’s re-election machine will be oiled and ready. But if the friction deepens, especially among grassroots blocs, APC might face a 2015-style internal crisis—but this time from within.

Anambra Visit, Chieftaincy Titles, and Political Optics

Outside Abuja, Tinubu was busy soaking up praise in Anambra State, receiving the chieftaincy title ‘Dike si mba Anambra.’  Youths hailed him as “Na our papa be this.”

APGA, a traditionally non-APC party, even declared support for him in 2027.

If optics were ballots, Tinubu’s basket would already be swelling. But again, Nigeria’s politics is never that linear. Praise in public, plotting in private.

Loyalty or Strategic Realignment?

This isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about political survival. Buhari’s loyalists understand power.

And right now, it sits in Aso Rock with Tinubu.

Whether it stays there after 2027 depends on how many of them keep this energy when the real campaign begins.

But one thing is clear: Tinubu is no longer walking alone. The CPC shadows now walk with him.

Your Take?

Would Buhari publicly endorse Tinubu if elections were tomorrow? Or is this just political window dressing?