As Nigeria begins to gear up for the 2027 general elections, the political atmosphere is heating up—and one name that keeps popping up at the center of the storm is former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Two years after leaving office, Buhari’s Kaduna residence has once again become a political pilgrimage ground for major figures across party lines.
Just like in 2022 before the APC presidential primaries, when politicians flocked to the then-sitting president to seek his blessing, a similar scene is unfolding—only this time, Buhari is no longer in power, yet his influence remains unmistakable.
North Seeks a Political Anchor
Politicians from both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition recently visited Buhari during the Sallah celebrations, sparking talks that the former leader could once again become a political force. Many are now asking: Is Buhari being positioned as the godfather of a northern political resurgence?
Although most visitors kept their discussions with Buhari under wraps, insiders believe that strategic alignments and northern interests dominated the conversations.
2023 Tensions Still Fresh
The visits come amid lingering tensions from the 2023 election season. Then, Buhari was accused of not fully backing President Bola Tinubu’s bid, with Senator Abdullahi Adamu controversially declaring Senate President Ahmed Lawan as Buhari’s preferred successor—a move that backfired and led to northern governors rallying behind Tinubu.
Despite the support Tinubu eventually received from northern leaders, there’s growing dissatisfaction among APC northern power brokers. Many feel that their contributions to Tinubu’s victory haven’t been matched by appointments or involvement in governance.
El-Rufai: The Political Disruptor
One major figure stirring the pot is former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai. Frozen out of Tinubu’s government, el-Rufai has rebranded himself as a vocal critic of the current administration. He recently defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and is working behind the scenes to form a coalition that could challenge Tinubu in 2027.
El-Rufai claims to have Buhari’s blessing, even telling the BBC Hausa Service that the former president prayed for his success when he shared his plans to defect. This revelation sent shockwaves through the APC, raising fears that Buhari might be tilting towards an opposition alliance.
Political Mecca: Kaduna’s Growing Influence
Since el-Rufai’s defection and public show of support from Buhari, Kaduna has become a hub for political strategy meetings. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accompanied by el-Rufai and others, paid a visit to Buhari. Atiku, who posted the visit on social media, said Buhari was in high spirits and full of humor.
But make no mistake—these visits carry deep political undertones. Though el-Rufai tried to downplay the significance, it’s clear that Kaduna is becoming a key battleground in the quest to control the narrative ahead of 2027.
APC on the Defensive
Sensing the momentum building around Buhari and the opposition, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje also visited the former president. According to him, the visit was purely to update Buhari on the party’s progress—but the timing says otherwise.
Meanwhile, resignations and shake-ups within the government hint at deeper rifts. Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, once a top adviser in the Vice President’s office, resigned recently, raising eyebrows about internal discontent.
The Big Question
With Buhari’s Kaduna home buzzing with political activity, all eyes are on how far his influence could go in shaping the future of Nigeria’s leadership.
Will he back Tinubu’s re-election or help the opposition turn the tide? One thing is certain—Buhari, whether actively or symbolically, remains a beautiful bride in Nigeria’s evolving political theatre.
What are your thoughts on Buhari’s return to the political spotlight? Will he play kingmaker or disrupt the game? Share your opinions in the comments and stay updated with NIGPOST for all the latest political developments!
Leave a Reply