By Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
Kaduna is buzzing again, not with campaign rallies or protest marches, but with the quiet footsteps of Nigeria’s political figures seeking an audience with a man who once vowed to step away from politics.
In recent days, former President Muhammadu Buhari, now residing permanently in Kaduna, has hosted an unexpected gathering of political heavyweights from both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as well as the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
What might have been perceived as a routine post-Sallah visit has ignited fresh intrigue in Nigeria’s pre-2027 political landscape, transforming Kaduna into an unofficial political stage for strategic discussions and subtle messaging.
First to arrive on Friday was a delegation of opposition figures led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He was accompanied by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and former Benue Governor Gabriel Suswam, among others.
While the visit was framed as a post-Sallah gesture, Atiku revealed during a media interaction that opposition leaders were engaged in ongoing discussions about forming a more robust coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
El-Rufai’s inclusion was especially significant. Now publicly affiliated with the SDP, his presence at Buhari’s residence was interpreted by political analysts as a strategic attempt to maintain his visibility and potential relevance in the unfolding political realignment. As a former governor with substantial influence in the North, it was a timely move.
Hours after the Atiku-led delegation’s visit, the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, led members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to pay their respects to Buhari. Although the APC leadership has not disclosed the specifics of their discussion, the timing of their visit, coming shortly after that of the opposition, appeared deliberate.
For Ganduje, who continues to face discontent within his party, especially from some northern factions critical of his leadership, the Kaduna visit was seen as an attempt to reaffirm his legitimacy and reconnect with Buhari’s enduring influence.
These visits followed a separate meeting with a group of APC governors, led by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, in his role as Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum. They described their visit as an expression of unity and respect. Uzodinma explained that the meeting was intended as a homage to Buhari following the Ramadan, Lent, and Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
The convergence of visits from both the ruling party and the opposition indicates that Buhari’s home in Kaduna has become more than just a retirement haven. Despite his declaration to exit active politics, political figures from all sides continue to regard him as a powerful figure, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
While some critics argue that Buhari’s political capital has diminished, citing his perceived tepid support for President Tinubu during the 2023 elections, others contend that he still holds considerable influence, especially in terms of moral authority and his connection to northern voters.
Amid these developments, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) issued a strong advisory to political actors. During its 715th National Executive Committee meeting in Kaduna, the Forum’s Chairman, Chief Mamman Mike Osuman (SAN), condemned the early politicking for 2027 and urged politicians to focus on governance, security, and economic recovery.
He pointed out that escalating insecurity in Plateau, Edo, and Borno States was devastating livelihoods and forcing the closure of schools, while the unresolved Ette boundary dispute remained a pressing issue. The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peacebuilding, education, and agricultural development across the region.
With Buhari now firmly established in Kaduna and his home rapidly becoming a neutral ground for strategic political engagement, the state is quietly reclaiming its role as the epicentre of Northern politics. As 2027 draws nearer, Kaduna is evolving from a mere geographic location into a symbol of political recalibration, where the outlines of future alliances and realignments are being quietly shaped.
Whether these political moves will culminate in a new northern consensus or dissolve into mere political theatrics remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that in the unfolding drama of Nigeria’s political power play, Kaduna has become the stage no one can afford to ignore.