Power Play: Tinubu’s Covert Mission To Sabotage Buhari Loyalists’ Defection Exposed

As the build-up to the 2027 presidential election gathers momentum, fresh reports suggest that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s camp is working frantically to stop a looming wave of defections by influential members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), especially those from the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) faction, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

A recently leaked memo indicates that President Tinubu is weighing the option of deploying former Nasarawa State Governor and longtime ally of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, to persuade the CPC bloc to remain in the APC. As part of the strategy, Al-Makura is reportedly being considered for the role of APC National Chairman, in an effort to secure Buhari’s influence and keep his political loyalists within the party.

According to Vanguard, sources revealed that Al-Makura is planning a press conference on Monday, where he is expected to announce Buhari’s purported endorsement of efforts to keep the CPC bloc aligned with the APC.

This development comes amid mounting unease within the ruling party, as several high-profile politicians—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and ex-Imo Governor Achike Udenwa—are said to be exploring alternative platforms ahead of 2027, citing frustrations with Tinubu’s leadership.

The leaked memo has exposed growing cracks within the APC, raising concerns over internal cohesion and the party’s stability heading into the next election cycle. The Progressive Governors’ Forum, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, and members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) have intensified efforts to involve former President Buhari in stemming the tide. Just last week, a delegation led by Imo State Governor and PGF Chairman, Hope Uzodimma, visited Buhari in Kaduna, urging him to intervene.

Notably, Nasir El-Rufai has claimed to have received Buhari’s blessing to exit the APC, while multiple former ministers from Buhari’s administration are reportedly finalizing plans to join the SDP—particularly in Katsina State, Buhari’s home base, where defections have already begun.

Additionally, Ganduje and members of the NWC met with Buhari shortly after a group of opposition leaders, including Atiku, El-Rufai, Tambuwal, and former Minister Isa Pantami, also held discussions with the former president.

Discontent among key CPC figures—such as former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, ex-Minister Isa Pantami, and former Minister of State for Education Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba—continues to grow, fueling speculation that a mass exodus from the party may be imminent.