2027: Tinubu Faces Revolt from Buhari Loyalists as Opposition Coalition Gains Momentum

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, President Bola Tinubu is grappling with growing dissent from within his own political base, particularly from loyalists of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

What began as subtle disagreements among senior figures in the All Progressives Congress (APC) has escalated into open defiance. Prominent allies of Buhari, including former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, former SGF Babachir Lawal, and ex-Justice Minister Abubakar Malami, are now aligning with opposition forces to thwart Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

This alliance recently found a political home in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), controversially naming ex-Senate President David Mark as interim national chairman and former Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola as secretary. Also reportedly involved are former APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun and Buhari’s nephew, Hadi Sirika.

Sources close to the opposition movement say El-Rufai, now aligned with the Social Democratic Party (SDP), is spearheading the coalition efforts. In May, El-Rufai was quoted as telling supporters: “Forgive me for bringing this evil Tinubu to power in 2023. It won’t happen again in 2027. The guy is gone.”

El-Rufai’s fallout with Tinubu intensified after he was dropped from a ministerial list following a negative security report. His defection to the SDP is seen as strategic, aiming to build a multi-party opposition bloc that includes the ADC, PDP, and disgruntled APC elements.

Though the coalition boasts political heavyweights such as Atiku Abubakar, Sule Lamido, Aminu Tambuwal, and Babachir Lawal, questions remain about its coherence and leadership structure. Dumebi Kachikwu, the ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, has criticized the new bloc, insisting it is being led by individuals whose mandates within the ADC expired in 2022.

“This coalition is dealing with a defunct leadership structure. We are watching with amusement,” Kachikwu said in a statement.

Despite the threats, Tinubu appears unfazed. A senior presidential aide said the president is already reconfiguring alliances and reaching out to northern power brokers, especially in Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina—states he lost in 2023.

“Remember 2023? They said he wouldn’t win the APC ticket or survive the Muslim-Muslim backlash. He proved them wrong,” the aide stated.

There are even speculations that Tinubu might replace Vice President Kashim Shettima with former Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso in a 2027 realignment move aimed at reclaiming the North.

Meanwhile, not all Buhari-era figures are backing the anti-Tinubu rebellion. In Abuja, some loyalists under the Forum of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC)—a key faction in the APC merger—reaffirmed their support for Tinubu.

Those present or represented at the pro-Tinubu meeting included House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, Niger State Governor Umar Bago, Foreign Affairs Minister Maitama Tuggar, ex-Governor Tanko Al-Makura, ex-Katsina governor Aminu Bello Masari, and NDLEA chairman Buba Marwa.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Farouk Adamu emphasized that “we are with Tinubu just like our leader (Buhari)” and confirmed their continued support for his 2027 candidacy.

As both camps strategize, Nigeria’s political future remains uncertain. While the opposition coalition hopes to replicate the 2015 upset that ousted President Jonathan, Tinubu, often dubbed a master strategist, may have a few surprises of his own.