By Abigail Philip David
The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday criticized former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai amid reports that he is mobilizing northern political leaders against President Bola Tinubu’s potential re-election bid in 2027.
APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, accused El-Rufai of pushing an ethnic agenda out of frustration over his failure to secure a cabinet position in Tinubu’s administration.
El-Rufai, once a close ally of the President, fell out with him after being denied a ministerial role, despite being nominated. The National Assembly rejected his appointment on security grounds.
In recent weeks, the former governor has been seen engaging with northern political figures and opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
El-Rufai and Atiku’s New Alliance
El-Rufai’s growing ties with Atiku were on display last Friday when he joined the former vice president on a condolence visit to the family of elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark. During the visit, he praised Atiku’s role in shaping economic policies under the Olusegun Obasanjo administration.
“Nobody gives Atiku the credit for economic policy-making under Obasanjo’s administration. Many of the things we did were under his leadership,” El-Rufai said.
Following the visit, the two politicians attended Juma’at prayers together. The next day, El-Rufai met with PDP’s Kaduna State executive committee, further fueling speculation about a possible political realignment ahead of 2027.
Adding to the intrigue, El-Rufai also visited former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu at his Keffi residence in Nasarawa State on Sunday. The visit was publicized by an X user and known El-Rufai supporter, @UI_Wakili.
APC Fires Back
Reacting to these developments, APC National Secretary Basiru dismissed El-Rufai’s moves, accusing him of being an “overrated ethnic champion” who thrives on divisive politics.
“Politics is a game of free entry and exit, and anyone is free to leave if they wish. But we will not dignify such moves with any serious comment for now,” Basiru said.
He accused El-Rufai of pushing a North-South political narrative and insisted that governance is not an entitlement. “There are over 180 million Nigerians, many of whom are qualified to serve. If one does not get appointed, it doesn’t mean they should become an emergency activist,” he added.
Basiru also defended Tinubu’s administration, pointing to recent economic improvements such as the strengthening of the naira and falling fuel prices.
PDP Welcomes El-Rufai
Meanwhile, the PDP signaled openness to working with El-Rufai and other disillusioned APC members to “rescue Nigeria.”
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said El-Rufai now understands which party truly upholds democracy and the rule of law.
“The PDP is open to anyone who aligns with our principles. El-Rufai, having been in both parties, knows the difference between true democracy and mere political maneuvering,” Ologunagba stated.
He praised the PDP as a party of stability, fairness, and national development, adding that its doors remain open to those who wish to align with its vision for Nigeria.
As the 2027 elections approach, El-Rufai’s political maneuvers are raising questions about potential shifts in the country’s political landscape. Whether his actions signal a full defection or a broader strategy to challenge Tinubu remains to be seen.
