APC Criticizes El-Rufai and Atiku Over Proposed Anti-Tinubu Coalition

Political Rift Deepens as Opposition Figures Rally for 2027

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and key political figures have strongly criticized former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar for spearheading a coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

El-Rufai’s recent defection from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has fueled speculation about a strategic opposition alliance. His calls for opposition leaders, including Atiku, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, ex-minister Rauf Aregbesola, and others, to unite under the SDP banner have intensified political debates.

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El-Rufai and Atiku Push for Opposition Unity

In an interview with BBC Hausa, El-Rufai stated that his departure from the APC was due to a misalignment with the party’s values and governance approach. He urged opposition figures to consolidate forces under the SDP to form a credible alternative to the ruling party.

Atiku, a seasoned opposition figure, has also called for a coalition against Tinubu’s administration, aligning with El-Rufai’s vision for a united opposition. Similarly, Peter Obi and Governor Bala Mohammed of the PDP have hinted at possible collaboration for a new leadership in 2027.

APC Dismisses Coalition as “Personal Interest-Driven”

Despite the growing alliance, the APC has downplayed the coalition’s significance, insisting that Tinubu remains politically unshakable.

Lagos APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi dismissed the opposition’s efforts, stating, “Tinubu is unstoppable. His achievements are there for all to see.”

Musa Mailafiya, the APC North-West Zonal Publicity Secretary, also criticized El-Rufai’s defection, describing it as an act of desperation.

“El-Rufai is just making noise. He is seeking every means to bring down the APC, the same platform that made him a two-term governor,” Mailafiya remarked.

Buba Galadima Labels El-Rufai as a “Placeholder” for Atiku

Buba Galadima, a key figure in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), questioned the credibility of the coalition, alleging that El-Rufai was merely acting as a “placeholder” for Atiku, who he believes will eventually take over the SDP.

“I don’t think El-Rufai will succeed because he lacks a track record in public relations and doesn’t have the trust of the people. He has betrayed too many individuals—Obasanjo, Buhari, and now Tinubu. This will be the downfall of the SDP itself,” Galadima said.

He further argued that forming a government out of “anger and personal vendetta” would not succeed, emphasizing that the coalition lacks a solid foundation.

Aregbesola, Amaechi, and Others Yet to Confirm Their Stand

Among the notable figures linked to the anti-Tinubu coalition are former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, ex-Attorney General Abubakar Malami, former Senate President Ahmed Lawan, and former governors such as Emeka Ihedioha, Liyel Imoke, Aminu Tambuwal, and Aregbesola.

When asked about his political future, Amaechi declined to comment on whether he would join the SDP, while Aregbesola’s political group, the Omoluabi Movement, stated that an official announcement would be made soon.

APC Stalwart Adebayo Shittu Rejects Coalition

Former Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu, also dismissed the coalition, affirming his loyalty to the APC. He revealed that he had been approached to join the SDP but declined, stating,

“I am APC, pure and simple, and I am aspiring to become the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State.”

Shittu also defended Tinubu’s administration, citing major projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as evidence of the president’s commitment to national development.

Political Battle Lines Drawn for 2027

As opposition leaders strategize, the APC remains confident in Tinubu’s ability to secure re-election. However, with heavyweights like El-Rufai, Atiku, and Obi pushing for a unified opposition, the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections is set for a fierce contest.

The coming months will determine whether the proposed coalition can sustain its momentum or if internal divisions will weaken its chances of challenging the ruling party’s dominance.