APC and El-Rufai in War of Words Over 2027 Election Warnings

The political temperature in Nigeria is rising ahead of the 2027 elections, as former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) clash in a heated war of words.

Over the weekend, El-Rufai raised eyebrows at an African Democratic Congress (ADC) event in Sokoto when he warned that Nigeria’s social unity could face serious threats if President Bola Tinubu seeks or secures a second term in office.

He also criticized the Tinubu administration, accusing it of lacking clear direction and leadership—a sharp departure from El-Rufai’s past position as a key player within the APC.

But the ruling party wasn’t having it.

In a fiery response, APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, didn’t mince words. He dismissed El-Rufai as a “political clown” who has been spiraling ever since he was denied a ministerial role in Tinubu’s cabinet.

“His speedy fall from commanding heights to the political clown he has become needs forensic study,” Morka said in a statement.

The APC spokesman also lashed out at the ADC, describing its members as “confused, clueless, and pitiful opposition politicians” who bring “nothing to the table” but ego and ambition.

Morka further challenged El-Rufai and his allies to provide credible alternatives to the Tinubu-led government's policies—especially regarding fuel subsidy removal and economic reforms.

“If they hate our reforms so much, why haven’t they shown how they would bring back fuel subsidies or fix the naira without wrecking the economy?” Morka questioned.

Despite the growing criticism, the APC remains confident that Nigerians will back Tinubu in 2027, trusting in the party’s reform agenda and vision for the country.

This clash is just the latest in what promises to be a politically charged lead-up to the 2027 general elections. As political realignments continue, observers say this could signal deeper cracks within Nigeria’s ruling class—and perhaps the beginning of a shifting power landscape.