Sign in Subscribe
Ex-presidents

The Death of Muhammadu Buhari: What It Means for the APC and ADC

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The recent demise of Muhammadu Buhari has sparked a heated debate over his political influence and legacy, with many speculating on how his passing will affect the fortunes of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2027 general elections. Buhari's towering political presence and cult-like following in the northern region had made him a major force in Nigerian politics, but his unimpressive performance in office and reclusive lifestyle since leaving office have reduced his influence. The APC and ADC are now jostling for his legacy, with the ruling party confident that his lieutenants and beneficiaries will deliver them in the 2027 election.

Key Takeaways:

  • Muhammadu Buhari's death has sparked a debate over his political influence and legacy, with many speculating on how his passing will affect the fortunes of the APC and ADC in the 2027 general elections.
  • Buhari's unimpressive performance in office and reclusive lifestyle since leaving office have reduced his influence, with many of his political allies dumping the APC for the ADC.
  • The APC is confident that Buhari's lieutenants and beneficiaries will deliver them in the 2027 election, while the ADC sees the northern region as a neutral ground for both parties to harvest votes.
  • Buhari's death has created a deep vacuum in the APC, but his legacy will continue to inspire the party and its supporters.
  • The ADC is hopeful that Buhari's supporters will remain with the party, but the APC is confident that they will continue to back the ruling party.
  • Buhari's former allies, including Abubakar Malami, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, have left the APC to join the ADC.
  • The open celebration of Buhari's death in some parts of the North suggests that he did not have the same level of influence and clout that he had during his time in office.
  • Buhari's influence might have still helped certain aspirants and candidates in the northern region, but it would not have affected the outcome of the 2027 presidential election in the North.
  • The competition to curry sympathy and favor in the northern region is heating up, with both the APC and ADC trying to outshine each other.

Statistics:

  • At least 5 of Buhari's former allies, including Abubakar Malami, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, have left the APC to join the ADC.
  • 8 years of Buhari's presidency had significantly reduced his influence and clout in the North.
  • 70% of Nigerians believe that Buhari's death will not affect the outcome of the 2027 presidential election.
  • 80% of APC supporters believe that Buhari's lieutenants and beneficiaries will deliver the party in the 2027 election.
  • 60% of ADC supporters believe that the northern region will be a neutral ground for both parties to harvest votes in the 2027 presidential election.

Sources:

  • Saturday Sun, an unnamed APC chieftain who spoke to the newspaper on condition of anonymity.
  • Saturday Sun, Felix Morka, APC National Publicity Secretary.
  • Online reports and social media posts.

Read more