The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched a scathing attack on former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, amid growing speculation that he is rallying northern political elites against President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 polls.
The APC’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, accused El-Rufai of fueling ethnic divisions after he failed to secure a ministerial appointment in Tinubu’s cabinet.
The once-close political relationship between the President and El-Rufai has soured significantly since the latter’s unsuccessful bid for a federal appointment.
Although Tinubu initially nominated El-Rufai for a ministerial position, the National Assembly rejected his candidacy on security grounds.
Since then, El-Rufai has been seen engaging with key northern political figures, including opposition leaders, raising concerns about possible realignments ahead of the next election.
Over the past few weeks, El-Rufai has been actively engaging with prominent political figures across party lines. His most recent interactions include a meeting with former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.
In a surprising twist, El-Rufai accompanied Atiku on a condolence visit to the family of elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark last Friday. During the visit, he showered Atiku with praise, particularly for his role in economic reforms during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration.
“Nobody gives Alhaji Atiku Abubakar the credit for economic policymaking under Obasanjo’s administration,” El-Rufai stated, lauding the former vice president’s leadership.
Their closeness did not end there. The duo also observed Juma’at prayers together, further fueling speculation about a potential political alliance.
Adding to the intrigue, El-Rufai held a closed-door meeting with the Kaduna State PDP executive committee on Saturday, accompanied by his former Chief of Staff, Bashir Saidu.
The meeting sparked fresh rumors about a possible defection or at least bipartisan cooperation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Barely 24 hours later, El-Rufai visited former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, at his residence in Keffi, Nasarawa State. Adamu, who resigned as APC chairman in July 2023, is believed to have fallen out with Tinubu. The visit further fueled speculation that El-Rufai is mobilizing political forces against the President.
El-Rufai has not held back in his criticism of the APC in recent weeks. He has accused the ruling party of lacking internal democracy, claiming its organs have not convened in two years.
Two weeks ago, he reposted an article warning that Tinubu’s strained relationship with the North could lead to a repeat of the "Goodluck Jonathan treatment" in 2027 a reference to the former president’s loss due to northern dissatisfaction.
The article, titled “2027: South West, Tinubu’s Supporters Playing with Fire – Part 1”, cautioned that the North felt alienated by Tinubu’s government and that arrogance from his camp could cost him re-election.
Reacting to El-Rufai’s maneuvers, APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru dismissed his influence, calling him an “overrated ethnic champion” who prioritizes sectional politics over national development.
“We are not concerned about his activities,” Basiru stated. “For parties in Nigeria, it is free exit and free entry. If he wants to leave, that’s his choice. But we won’t dignify his moves with too much attention.”
Basiru also hinted that El-Rufai’s frustration stemmed from his failed ministerial ambition. “Nobody has a birthright to be an appointee of government. There are over 180 million Nigerians qualified for leadership,” he said.
Meanwhile, the opposition PDP has not ruled out collaborating with El-Rufai. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated that the party is open to working with individuals committed to rescuing Nigeria from APC’s grip.
While he did not confirm whether El-Rufai would officially join the PDP, Ologunagba emphasized that party membership is determined at the ward level.
As the political landscape heats up ahead of 2027, El-Rufai’s moves have undoubtedly rattled the APC, setting the stage for an intense power struggle in the coming months.