APC’s Basiru Urges El-Rufai to Halt Media Criticism and Wait for 2027

In a sharp rebuke aimed at former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, has called on the ex-governor to desist from engaging in media warfare against the current administration. The statement, issued during an interview with Tribune Online on Sunday, comes in response to El-Rufai’s recent comments, which were highly critical of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and the APC.

Basiru expressed concern over what he described as unnecessary and premature political agitation, emphasizing that the former governor’s criticisms were more of a distraction than a constructive engagement. He advised El-Rufai to redirect his energy toward more productive endeavors and reminded him that the next general election was still two years away.

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Basiru to El-Rufai: Be Patient and Focus on 2027

Speaking pointedly, Basiru remarked, “Why is he in a hurry? 2027 is far. The guidelines for the 2027 elections won’t be out until February 2026. El-Rufai should go and find a job to do.”

This statement was a direct response to remarks made by El-Rufai on Saturday in Sokoto, where he addressed supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). During the grassroots mobilization event, El-Rufai openly criticized the APC-led administration and warned Nigerians against voting for the party in the upcoming 2027 general elections. He declared his allegiance to a coalition aimed at unseating the ruling party, describing it as “incompetent” and unfit to lead Nigeria for another term.

El-Rufai’s sudden alignment with opposition forces and his harsh words have stirred considerable reactions within political circles. The former governor, once a staunch ally of President Tinubu, has increasingly voiced his discontent with the current administration’s policies and leadership style.

In his Sokoto address, El-Rufai stated, “We must come together and rescue Nigeria. Another four years of APC under President Tinubu will be disastrous. I have joined this coalition to ensure that the APC is voted out, and I’m ready to lead the charge.”

Basiru, however, dismissed these comments as premature and politically motivated distractions. He advised El-Rufai to consider alternative ways to utilize his time productively until the electoral season officially begins.

“He can go back to school to enrich his knowledge or play with his grandchildren,” Basiru said. “We are too busy fixing our party, and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is busy with governance. He should not distract us.”

Basiru’s reaction underscores the APC’s growing sensitivity to internal dissent, especially when it comes from prominent figures who were once considered insiders. It also reflects the party’s effort to maintain a united front amidst rising criticism over the administration’s economic policies and governance approach.

Political analysts suggest that El-Rufai’s criticism may stem from deeper political realignments and dissatisfaction with the current power structure within the APC. While El-Rufai has not officially defected from the party, his open support for the ADC and its opposition coalition signals a potential shift in allegiance.

Observers also point out that El-Rufai’s political moves could be an attempt to carve a new role for himself ahead of 2027, possibly positioning as a kingmaker or even a presidential aspirant under a different platform. His reputation as a strategist and his influence in northern Nigeria could pose a significant challenge to the APC if his criticism gains traction among disillusioned voters.

Despite the mounting tension, Basiru’s comments highlight the APC’s focus on consolidating governance and party unity ahead of the next election cycle. The party leadership appears determined to avoid premature political battles that could weaken its chances in 2027.

For now, El-Rufai’s political future remains uncertain. Whether his current stance will lead to a formal break from the APC or spark a broader realignment within the Nigerian political landscape is yet to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the road to 2027 is already heating up with early confrontations and shifting loyalties.