Nigerian courtroom setting symbolising political debate

In a startling revelation that has quickly become the talk of Abuja, ADC chieftain Solomon Dalung says the late President Muhammadu Buhari allegedly spoke to his wife, Aisha Buhari, from beyond the grave – a claim he describes as the infamous Buhari grave phone call. Dalung, speaking to the media on Saturday, recounted what Aisha Buhari allegedly told former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar during a private meeting, and how the late president’s voice supposedly echoed through a phone line that no one could technically trace.

What the Buhari grave phone call claim says about the Atiku‑Aisha meeting

According to Dalung, the meeting took place in early 2026 at Atiku’s Abuja residence. Aisha Buhari, he claims, disclosed that she had received a call that night from a number she did not recognise. When she answered, a voice that sounded unmistakably like President Buhari’s warned her against supporting any political alliance that might threaten his legacy. The chieftain says the voice urged her to “stay united with the party that respects the nation’s values”.

Dalung insists that the call was not a prank or a fabricated story. He points to the emotional intensity in Aisha’s eyes and the way she described the conversation as “spiritual” rather than “political”. While he does not claim to have heard the call himself, Dalung says the incident was relayed to him by senior ADC members who were present at the gathering.

Why the claim matters for the 2027 electoral landscape

The timing of the alleged Buhari grave phone call could not be more consequential. Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election is set to be one of the most contested in recent memory, with the APC, PDP, and emerging third‑party movements jockeying for position. If the story gains traction, it may influence voter sentiment in the North‑East, where Buhari’s legacy still carries considerable weight.

Political analysts note that the narrative of a “post‑humous endorsement” could be weaponised by both sides. The APC may use it to claim continuity with Buhari’s policies, while the PDP could portray it as a manipulation of grief to sway the electorate. In any case, the episode adds another layer of intrigue to an already volatile pre‑election atmosphere.

Historical context: Buhari’s post‑presidential influence

President Buhari left office in 2023 after two terms marked by anti‑corruption drives and a hard‑line stance on security. Even after his death in 2025, his name remains a rallying point for many in the northern states. Historically, former leaders in Nigeria have been invoked in political discourse, but a claim of a literal phone call from the grave is unprecedented.

In the past, political figures have used symbolic gestures – such as posthumous awards or speeches delivered by family members – to keep their legacy alive. The alleged Buhari grave phone call pushes that tradition into the realm of the supernatural, raising questions about the role of belief, folklore, and media in shaping public opinion.

Reactions from key political players

Atiku Abubakar, who has long positioned himself as a unifying figure, responded cautiously. In a statement released on his official website, he said, “We respect the memory of President Buhari and the feelings of his family. Our focus remains on delivering a credible, transparent electoral process.” The measured tone suggests Atiku is wary of being drawn into a sensationalist narrative that could distract from his campaign agenda.

The APC’s national chairman, however, took a more direct approach. In a televised interview, he declared, “If the late President wanted us to hear his voice, we will listen. The nation deserves to know the truth.” He called for an independent investigation, citing the need for “national cohesion”.

Meanwhile, civil society groups, including the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), urged restraint. Their spokesperson warned that unverified claims could inflame ethnic and religious tensions, especially in a country where political loyalty often intertwines with tribal identity.

Media coverage and public perception

Since Dalung’s interview aired, social media platforms across Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa have been buzzing. Hashtags such as #BuhariGraveCall and #SpiritOfBuhari trended on Twitter and X, drawing both skeptical commentary and heartfelt tributes. Influencers in Lagos and Abuja posted videos dissecting the claim, while radio talk shows invited listeners to share their own “spiritual experiences” related to political figures.

In the diaspora, Nigerian communities in the UK and US echoed the debate, with diaspora newspapers publishing op‑eds that question the veracity of the story while acknowledging the cultural resonance of ancestral guidance in African societies.

Legal and ethical considerations

From a legal standpoint, there is no existing statute that directly addresses claims of supernatural communication. However, defamation law could come into play if any party feels their reputation has been unjustly tarnished. The Nigerian Press Council’s code of ethics also stresses the importance of verification before publishing sensational claims.

Ethically, journalists face a dilemma: balancing the public’s right to know with the responsibility to avoid spreading unverified rumors that could destabilise the political climate. The story underscores the need for rigorous fact‑checking in an era where “viral” often trumps “verified”.

What experts say about political myth‑making

Political sociologists at the University of Ibadan note that myth‑making is a common tool in African politics. Dr. Chinyere Okafor explains, “Leaders often become larger‑than‑life symbols. When a leader passes, their image can be repurposed to serve contemporary agendas, whether through statues, naming of institutions, or, in this case, alleged spiritual messages.”

Communication scholars add that the digital age amplifies such myths, allowing them to spread faster than ever before. The “Buhari grave phone call” may therefore be less about the literal truth and more about the narrative power it holds in shaping voter psychology.

Potential impact on voter behaviour

Early polling in the North‑East shows a slight uptick in support for candidates who align themselves with Buhari’s legacy. If the story gains credibility, it could sway undecided voters who still hold the former president in high regard. Conversely, younger, urban voters may view the claim as a distraction, reinforcing their preference for candidates promising economic reforms and digital transformation.

Political strategists advise campaigns to tread carefully. “You can’t ignore a story that’s on everyone’s mind, but you also don’t want to be seen as exploiting grief,” says a senior APC campaign adviser who asked to remain anonymous.

FAQ

  • What exactly did Solomon Dalung claim? He said Aisha Buhari told Atiku Abubakar she received a phone call from President Buhari’s voice after his death, urging her to stay aligned with his political ideals.
  • Has any independent investigation been launched? The APC has called for an inquiry, but as of now no official investigative body has been appointed.
  • Could this affect the 2027 elections? Analysts believe the story could influence voter sentiment, especially in regions where Buhari’s legacy remains strong.

While the Buhari grave phone call remains unverified, its ripple effect across Nigeria’s political discourse is undeniable. As the nation moves closer to the 2027 polls, the story serves as a reminder of how history, belief, and media intersect in shaping the democratic journey.

For continued updates on this developing story, stay tuned to reputable Nigerian news outlets and follow official statements from the electoral commission.

Source: Legit.ng

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