The All Progressives Congress (APC) has told former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to abandon his early political campaigns and wait until 2027 before launching verbal attacks on the ruling party.
Senator Ajibola Basiru, APC’s National Secretary, made this statement during a telephone interview with Tribune Online on Sunday, August 3, 2025.
His comments came in response to El-Rufai’s criticism of the APC during a grassroots mobilisation event organized by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto.
El-Rufai, now a chieftain of the ADC, warned Nigerians against re-electing the APC in 2027, stating that the country may not survive another four years under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He declared:
“I didn’t join politics to enrich myself but to serve. When leadership fails the people, it becomes the duty of every patriotic citizen to stand up and act.
That’s what I’m doing, and I will not stop. If we allow APC to continue, the little that remains of our national cohesion may be destroyed. This is not just an election; it’s the fight of our lives.”
In a swift reaction, Basiru said El-Rufai was wasting energy on an election that is still two years away.
“Why is he in such a hurry? The 2027 elections are far off. The official guidelines won’t be released until February 2026,” he said.
He advised the former governor to engage in more productive activities.
“El-Rufai should go and find a job. He can return to school, expand his knowledge, or spend time with his grandchildren.
We are too busy fixing our party, and President Bola Tinubu is focused on governance. He should not distract us,” Basiru added.
The exchange underscores the rising political tension as Nigeria inches toward another pivotal election cycle.