Abuja, Nigeria — The political landscape heats up as former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai reportedly aligns with northern leaders and opposition figures, stirring controversy within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The APC, through its National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, accused El-Rufai of pushing an ethnic agenda following his exclusion from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet. Despite being nominated for a ministerial role, the ex-governor’s appointment was rejected by the National Assembly over security concerns, leading to a fractured relationship with the President.
In recent weeks, El-Rufai has engaged in high-profile meetings with northern political leaders and opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Notably, he accompanied Atiku on a condolence visit to the family of Niger Delta leader Chief Edwin Clark and later observed Juma’at prayers with him.
Further fueling speculation, El-Rufai met with the PDP’s Kaduna State executive committee behind closed doors and later visited former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu in Keffi, Nasarawa State. Adamu, believed to be at odds with Tinubu after resigning as APC chairman in 2023, is seen as a potential ally in El-Rufai’s emerging political maneuvers.
El-Rufai has also used media channels to criticize the APC, alleging a lack of internal democracy and warning that Tinubu’s administration risks alienating northern support ahead of the 2027 elections. He recently amplified an opinion piece warning of a potential ‘Goodluck Jonathan treatment’ for Tinubu if northern dissatisfaction persists.
Responding to El-Rufai’s actions, Basiru dismissed his influence, labeling him an “overrated ethnic champion” who prioritizes sectional politics over national development. He emphasized that no individual has a birthright to government appointments and reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to its governance agenda.
On the other hand, the PDP, through its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, expressed openness to working with El-Rufai and others willing to align with the party’s principles. He described the PDP as the only party with a true commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and national unity.
As political realignments unfold, El-Rufai’s next moves remain under close watch, with potential implications for the 2027 presidential race and Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
By Taiwo Olatinwo | February 24, 2025.
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