NIGERIA: APC Dismisses Opposition Alliance, Calls El-Rufai’s Moves Desperate Politics

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has downplayed the emerging political alliance between former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and allies of Nigerian former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing it as an “unholy union” that will not threaten the ruling party’s dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Last week, El-Rufai reportedly held a closed-door meeting with SDP leaders and some associates of Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023.

The meeting, attended by figures such as Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, a former Chief Security Officer to General Sani Abacha, and Otunba Segun Showunmi, was seen as part of ongoing efforts by opposition forces to form a coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

The meeting’s details remain undisclosed, but political observers have linked it to the League of Northern Democrats (LND), led by former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau.

The LND recently announced plans to transform into a political party to create a “credible national platform” for the 2027 elections.

However, SDP National Chairman Shehu Gabam has denied any formal alliance with Atiku or El-Rufai, asserting that the party is focused on strengthening its structures and offering credible alternatives to Nigerians.

In response, Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), dismissed the opposition moves as inconsequential. “Surely they shall gather, and they shall scatter,” he said, quoting the Bible.

“El-Rufai’s political trajectory is highly disturbed. His divisive rhetoric, particularly his disparagement of Christians in a secular Nigeria, has isolated him. No one trusts him anymore,” he added.

Arodiogbu added that the APC remains unshaken, as the reforms initiated by President Tinubu are beginning to yield positive results. “They [the opposition] have nothing to offer Nigerians. Will they campaign to bring back fuel subsidies? Nigerians can now see the benefits of Tinubu’s policies, such as stabilizing the economy and creating opportunities to export refined fuel. We are already seeing a brighter future for the country,” he said.

While speculation about El-Rufai’s political future intensifies, APC Deputy National Organising Secretary Nze Chidi Duru emphasized that the former governor has a constitutional right to associate freely.

“We’re in a democracy, and he has the liberty to hold and express his views. Unless and until he makes a definitive decision to leave the APC, there is no cause for concern,” Duru stated.

He added that the APC remains focused on governance and delivering its manifesto. “Speculations about defections are premature. What matters is our ability to deliver the dividends of democracy to Nigerians,” Duru said.