The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai of fueling ethnic divisions and working against President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 elections.
APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, made the allegations on Sunday, claiming that El-Rufai’s actions stem from his frustration over not securing a ministerial position in Tinubu’s administration.
El-Rufai, who previously served as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, was initially nominated for a ministerial role but was rejected by the National Assembly over security concerns. Since then, his relationship with Tinubu has reportedly deteriorated, and he has been engaging with key northern political figures, including members of the opposition.
Recently, El-Rufai met with former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, sparking speculations of a potential political realignment.
Last Friday, he accompanied Atiku on a condolence visit to the family of elder statesman and Niger Delta leader, Chief Edwin Clark, where he praised Atiku’s role in Nigeria’s economic reforms during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration. Following the visit, both politicians attended Juma’at prayers together, further fueling rumors of an alliance.
On Saturday, El-Rufai intensified his engagements with the opposition by holding a closed-door meeting with the Kaduna State PDP executive committee, alongside his former Chief of Staff, Bashir Saidu. This meeting has led to discussions about possible bipartisan cooperation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reacting to these developments, APC National Secretary Basiru stated that the party no longer takes El-Rufai’s actions seriously, describing him as an “overrated ethnic champion” who frequently pits northern politicians against their southern counterparts.
Basiru criticized El-Rufai’s alignment with opposition figures and his stance as a supposed northern spokesperson. He dismissed any concerns over his political moves, emphasizing that party membership in Nigeria is voluntary, with free entry and exit.
He further noted that governance is not an entitlement, adding, “There are over 180 million Nigerians, many of whom are qualified for government positions. Not being appointed should not turn someone into an ‘emergency activist.’ The APC remains strong and is moving forward.”
Meanwhile, El-Rufai has continued to criticize the APC, accusing the party of lacking internal democracy.