Senator Ali Ndume has urged President Bola Tinubu to strengthen his relationship with former President Muhammadu Buhari, warning that Buhari still holds significant influence in Northern Nigeria.
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Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, Ndume said although Buhari’s political presence has waned since leaving office, his connection with ordinary citizens in the North remains strong. He stressed that Buhari’s continued appeal could play a crucial role in future elections.
“Every vote counts,” Ndume noted, pointing out that Buhari’s grassroots support may be vital for Tinubu as the political landscape shifts ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ndume’s remarks came shortly after opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, paid a visit to Buhari at his Kaduna residence—a move seen by some as a strategic effort to court Buhari’s goodwill.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is grappling with internal concerns over potential defections, especially from members of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc, which has close historical ties to Buhari. In response, some APC governors recently met with the former president to seek his intervention. However, Buhari reportedly declined to influence the decisions of his political associates.
Despite the growing discontent and the recent defection of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Buhari has reiterated his loyalty to the APC. In a public statement, he reaffirmed his commitment to the party that supported his rise to power.
