Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has sparked political tensions within Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) after he was reportedly rallying northern leaders and opposition figures against President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid for 2027.
The APC’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, accused El-Rufai of stoking ethnic divisions, blaming his failure to secure a ministerial appointment for his newfound political alignment.
“He has been overrated as a person…he is stoking up the ethnic nationality agenda,” Basiru said, dismissing El-Rufai’s efforts.
El-Rufai, who had previously clashed with Tinubu over the rejection of his ministerial nomination, has been seen meeting with opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar, former presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
During a condolence visit to Atiku’s home, El-Rufai praised the former vice president for his role in economic reforms under President Obasanjo.
Further fuelling speculation about possible realignments, El-Rufai met with the Kaduna State executive committee of the PDP, raising questions about his future political direction.
In response, PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba stated, “The PDP is the only party truly for the people…we are open to working with any Nigerian who shares our vision.”