“The Only Leader We Have in the Entire North Is Dead” — Doguwa Says Buhari’s Influence Still Shapes Northern Politics

A senior lawmaker from Kano State, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, has stirred political debate after declaring that Northern Nigeria has lost its only universally recognised leader with the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari. According to Doguwa, despite Buhari’s passing, his political influence, legacy, and loyalists remain firmly embedded within the region and continue to shape the direction of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Doguwa, a member of the House of Representatives and a long-time ally of the former president, made the remarks on Wednesday in Abuja during the public presentation of a book titled Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration. The book was authored by former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, and documents key communication moments of the Buhari administration.

Speaking at the event, Doguwa emphasised that Buhari died as a committed member of the APC, stressing that the former president never renounced his party membership even after leaving office. He described this as a critical point of political identity for Buhari’s supporters, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where the former leader commanded a large and loyal following.

“For those of us in the North, we will continue to identify with the APC and the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because our leader died as a proud member of the party,” Doguwa stated. He added that Buhari’s loyalists remain resolute in ensuring internal accountability within the APC, insisting that they would “keep the party in check” as political activities gradually intensify ahead of 2027.

According to Doguwa, the late former president’s appeal went beyond party lines, especially among ordinary citizens in the North who viewed him as a symbol of discipline, integrity, and personal sacrifice. He argued that Buhari’s political strength lay in his connection with the masses, particularly the poor and vulnerable, whom he said the former president consistently sought to represent.

Doguwa further noted that Buhari’s death has created a vacuum in Northern leadership, asserting that no single political figure currently commands the same level of acceptance or authority across the region’s diverse states and blocs. In his view, this reality places a responsibility on Buhari’s allies within government to protect what they consider his legacy and values within the APC-led administration.

The book presentation attracted a wide range of political heavyweights and public figures from across party lines. Among those in attendance were Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde; former APC National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande; Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris; former Chief of Staff to President Buhari, Professor Ibrahim Gambari; and former National Security Adviser, retired Major General Babagana Monguno. Others included former presidential spokesman and journalist Segun Adeniyi, who reviewed the book, as well as traditional rulers and representatives of key national institutions.

During the event, Governor Makinde used the opportunity to address speculation surrounding his political future, firmly ruling out any plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. “I am not APC, and I am not about to become APC,” the Oyo State governor said, dismissing rumours that have followed recent defections by some opposition governors.

Makinde argued that Nigeria’s political challenges are not rooted solely in party affiliation but in the lack of genuine cooperation among leaders. He warned that a “winner-takes-all” political culture deepens divisions and weakens national cohesion, urging leaders across party lines to prioritise inclusive governance over elite rivalry.

Doguwa’s remarks have since sparked widespread discussion within political circles, particularly regarding the future of Northern political unity and leadership. While some observers agree that Buhari remains a powerful symbol in the region even in death, others argue that Northern Nigeria’s political landscape has become too fragmented for any single figure to dominate.

As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections, the debate highlights a broader question facing the country: whether political loyalty built around personalities can endure, or whether emerging alliances, shifting interests, and changing voter expectations will redefine leadership dynamics across regions.

For now, Buhari’s shadow continues to loom large over Northern politics, even as the region — and the nation — navigates a new and uncertain political chapter.