BREAKING: Ganduje, APC NWC Plead with Buhari to Halt Coalition Talks, Defections Amid Growing Political Storm
In a significant political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on Friday led members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on a high-profile visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Kaduna State.
The visit, described as both strategic and symbolic, comes on the heels of rising tensions within the ruling party amid growing defections, coalition talks, and political realignments that have thrown Nigeria’s political landscape into uncertainty.
Plea for Unity: Ganduje Urges Buhari to Intervene
During the closed-door meeting, Ganduje passionately appealed to the former president to lend his voice in discouraging defections and efforts by aggrieved stakeholders to form coalitions outside the APC framework. The APC chairman emphasized that Buhari remains a towering figure in the party and a critical pillar of unity whose intervention could stabilize internal crises.
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Ganduje stated, “President Muhammadu Buhari is not just a former president; he is our mentor and one of the most respected leaders in the APC. We came here to brief him on developments within the party and to seek his guidance on how best to manage the growing concerns about defections and the formation of political coalitions.”
He added that under his leadership, the APC has achieved significant milestones, but acknowledged that internal cohesion was being tested by recent events.
Defections, Coalitions Threaten APC’s Stability
The APC’s concern comes amid a flurry of political activities that suggest serious cracks within its ranks. Most notably, the shocking defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has sent ripples through the party’s base and leadership. Once a staunch APC loyalist, El-Rufai’s move has been interpreted by analysts as a strong signal of discontent within the party and a potential catalyst for more high-profile exits.
Adding to the tension was the recent visit by former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to former President Buhari — a meeting that took many political observers by surprise. Atiku was accompanied by former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal and El-Rufai himself, further fueling speculation of a brewing mega-coalition across party lines.
Insiders believe that the meeting may have explored possibilities of a united northern political front ahead of 2027, possibly sidelining the current APC leadership in the process.
Buhari Responds: Reaffirms Loyalty to APC
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, in his response, welcomed the APC leadership team warmly and expressed appreciation for their visit. He praised the efforts of Ganduje and the NWC in holding the party together during challenging times.
“The strength of any political party lies in its ability to manage internal differences and stay focused on service to the people. I am glad to see that the current APC leadership is taking that responsibility seriously,” Buhari remarked.
He reassured the party of his continued support, stating that his loyalty to the APC remains unwavering, and urged members to stay united in the face of political turbulence.
APC Governors Also Seek Buhari’s Support
Friday’s visit is the second of such appeals made to the former president within the same week. Earlier, several APC governors reportedly reached out to Buhari, seeking his intervention to dissuade key party members from jumping ship or joining emerging coalitions that threaten the party’s 2027 prospects.
Political observers have noted that the ruling party is now on high alert, as internal cracks risk turning into deep divides if not quickly addressed.
Conclusion: A Battle for the Soul of APC
With Nigeria’s next presidential election less than three years away, the APC finds itself in a delicate position — grappling with defections, opposition strategies, and internal wrangling. The visit to Buhari, widely regarded as a founding father of the APC, underscores the urgency with which the party’s leadership is treating the situation.
Whether Buhari’s influence will be enough to halt the growing wave of discontent and political realignment remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the race to 2027 has already begun, and for the APC, the time to act is now.
