As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, one striking trend is the steady of prominent figures from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including some who once held powerful positions under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

At least four former ministers from Buhari’s cabinet have left the APC in the last two years, signaling growing dissatisfaction with the current administration and an emerging realignment of political loyalties.

Interestingly, they are not just becoming critics of the ruling party, they’re joining the opposition, particularly the Atiku Abubakar-led coalition now rallying under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Here are the former ministers who have broken ranks with their old party:

Rauf Aregbesola: From Tinubu Loyalist to Opposition Leader

Rauf Aregbesola, once a strong ally of President Bola Tinubu, now finds himself on the other side of the political divide. 

A former Minister of Interior and ex-governor of Osun State, Aregbesola has officially joined the opposition coalition and currently serves as the Secretary of the newly adopted party, ADC.

His fallout with Tinubu dates back to the 2022 Osun governorship election, where he clashed with the APC’s chosen candidate, Gboyega Oyetola. That loss and the political rift that followed marked the beginning of Aregbesola’s departure from the Tinubu fold. 

His move to ADC signals a significant shift and may carry weight in the South West come 2027.

Abubakar Malami: ‘Nigeria Is Bleeding’

The former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, left the APC with a strong statement. 

In a Facebook post, he declared his defection to the ADC, citing deep concern for insecurity in the northern region. According to him, Nigeria is “bleeding,” and staying in the ruling party no longer aligns with his vision for Kebbi State or the nation.

Malami emphasized that his decision was not born out of bitterness but patriotism. 

Still, his departure underscores the growing internal cracks in the APC, particularly from voices that once defended its policies from the frontlines of government.

Rotimi Amaechi: ‘Nigeria Has Been Destroyed’

Rotimi Amaechi, who served as Minister of Transportation and is also a former governor of Rivers State, has joined the list of APC defectors. In his public comments, Amaechi didn’t hold back. 

He described Nigeria as a nation in ruins and accused the APC-led federal government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of planning to rig the upcoming election.

Amaechi’s defection is especially notable given his status as a former presidential aspirant within the APC. His move to the ADC camp not only weakens the ruling party’s base in Rivers State but also raises questions about APC’s internal unity ahead of 2027.

Hadi Sirika – Silent Exit

Unlike others, Hadi Sirika, the former Minister of Aviation, made no public announcement about his departure from the APC. But his appearance at the ADC coalition event left little doubt. 

His quiet defection, however, comes at a complicated time, Sirika is currently facing court proceedings over allegations of contract fraud involving family members.

Although embroiled in controversy, Sirika’s shift into the opposition tent is another dent in the APC’s armour, especially among northern technocrats who once championed the party’s agenda.

What this mean ahead of 2027 eletions

These defections are more than just headlines, they reflect growing cracks within the APC, dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s leadership, and the beginning of what could become a strong opposition bloc. 

The Atiku-led coalition’s adoption of the ADC as its platform gives these political figures a new base to regroup and challenge the status quo.

Whether this will translate into real momentum at the polls remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the 2027 election season has already begun, and old alliances are being tested like never before.