Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has ignited political tensions with a blistering critique of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, signaling a dramatic shift in Nigeria’s pre-2027 political landscape.
Speaking at a closed-door gathering in Abuja, El-Rufai declared that the APC has strayed far from its founding ideals and vowed to rally a coalition to unseat Tinubu in the next presidential election. “We’ll send Tinubu packing in 2027,” he reportedly told attendees, expressing frustration over what he described as the party’s failure to deliver on economic reform, national security, and anti-corruption promises.
Once a central figure in the APC and a minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari, El-Rufai has grown increasingly critical since leaving office in 2023. He lamented that the party he helped build has devolved into a vehicle for personal gain and poor governance.
Turning his attention to opposition dynamics, El-Rufai urged Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi to reconsider his political home. He argued that the LP lacks the infrastructure and reach to mount a serious challenge in 2027, suggesting Obi should align with a broader coalition if he truly seeks transformative change.
His remarks have fueled speculation about a possible alliance involving Obi, El-Rufai, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar an emerging bloc that could reshape Nigeria’s opposition strategy.
The APC swiftly responded, with party spokesperson Felix Morka dismissing El-Rufai’s comments as attention-seeking rhetoric. Meanwhile, Obi’s camp has remained silent, though insiders suggest strategic conversations are underway.
Political observers view El-Rufai’s outburst as a reflection of growing discontent within the ruling party and a potential catalyst for realignment among opposition forces. With Nigeria facing economic hardship, fuel scarcity, and rising insecurity, El-Rufai’s challenge may resonate with voters hungry for change.
Whether this marks the beginning of a formidable political movement or simply another chapter in Nigeria’s volatile political theater remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the road to 2027 has already begun, and the stakes are rising.
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