Buhari's loyalists plan mass defections from APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing a potential crisis as key members, loyal to former President Muhammadu Buhari, are reportedly planning to leave the party. This follows the recent defection of Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). El-Rufai expressed his dissatisfaction with the current direction of the APC, stating there was a growing misalignment with his personal values. His decision has raised concerns within the APC as it signals that others may follow his lead. Reports indicate that several leaders from the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the faction that helped establish the APC in 2015, are considering similar moves. The CPC members are unhappy with the APC's current leadership. Key figures, including former Senate President Ahmed Lawan, who has denied plans to leave, and former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, are being mentioned as potential defectors. Abdullahi Adamu, the former national chairman of the APC, is also reportedly among those dissatisfied with the party’s leadership. Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu's administration seems unfazed by these developments. Tinubu's spokesperson stated that the president is more focused on governance and views the defection discussions as indicative of opposition leaders feeling defeated. As the 2027 elections approach, the situation within the APC could become critical.