IN MY widely published article, ‘How President Buhari Humiliated a Defunct CPC Member,’ dated March 31, 2022, and featured across print and online media, I highlighted how Buhari, in his characteristic disregard for those who supported him, has consistently shown indifference to the plight of his loyalists, particularly those who championed his presidential campaigns before his 2015 win.
Ironically, those who fervently supported Buhari’s aspirations, including TBO and CPC members, were met with neglect and humiliation. This treatment was evident even after the CPC merged with APC, with loyalists receiving little reward for their dedication
Before the APC convention, two separate lists of preferred candidates, allegedly approved by President Buhari, emerged. One list featured Adamu Abdullahi and Tanko Al-Makura, but Abdullahi was chosen as the consensus APC national chairman, while Al-Makura was side-lined. Notably, Al-Makura was initially brought to the negotiating table as a key equity stakeholder for CPC members in the APC merger.
Since the APC’s formation, the party’s National Working Committee leadership has rotated between two legacy blocs – the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). Notably, ACN produced two chairmen: Chief Bisi Akande as the pioneer interim national chairman, followed by Adams Oshiomhole.
Those who believe former President still wields the same political influence are living in a dream world. The days when mentioning his name would electrify the air are long gone. Even his massive loyal followers have deserted him due to his economic policies, which have plunged hundreds of millions of Nigerians into abject poverty. Any politician closely associated with him in the 2027 election will likely be rejected by the electorate.
The ANPP bloc produced one chairman, former Governor John Oyegun of Edo State. Meanwhile, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc has been overlooked, despite Senator Tanko Al-Makura’s indication of interest in the chairmanship position. Given his competence, capacity, and moral right as a two-term governor under the defunct CPC, many party members have been supporting his aspiration.”
Just before the national convention, Buhari unexpectedly chose a candidate from the same state as Senator Tanko Al-Makura, and Al-Makura’s predecessor, as APC chairman. This candidate had defected from the PDP in 2014.
This decision overlooked Al-Makura, the lone CPC governor, despite Buhari’s own history with the party, having run for president on the CPC platform in 2011. Analysts argue that Al-Makura’s contribution was crucial to Buhari’s political standing, yet he was disregarded for the chairmanship role, despite his interest in the position.
In politics, interest drives survival, and it’s no surprise that Al-Makura, Masari, and fellow defunct CPC stalwarts now support Tinubu’s administration. Ironically, those handpicked by Buhari, like Malami, Sirika and others claim to represent CPC interests now are not serious because they are considering leaving the party due to disagreements with Tinubu’s administration. Already, the former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has left the party. The overlooked members are left empty-handed as the privileged few feast on the national cake.
No Nigerian politician has failed to reciprocate those who stood by him, except Buhari. Any reasonable person would recall how he abandoned those who made significant sacrifices for his ambitions, revealing his self-centred nature.
Notable figures like Sule Hamma, Buba Galadima, the late AVM Muktar Muhammad, and the late Mike Ahamba SAN were side-lined. Even Rufa’i Hanga, the mastermind behind CPC’s formation, was blocked from accessing Buhari.
Those who believe former President still wields the same political influence are living in a dream world. The days when mentioning his name would electrify the air are long gone. Even his massive loyal followers have deserted him due to his economic policies, which have plunged hundreds of millions of Nigerians into abject poverty. Any politician closely associated with him in the 2027 election will likely be rejected by the electorate.
Dukawa write in from Abuja can be reached at abbahydukawa@gmail.com.
