APC’s Basiru Urges El-Rufai To Find Work And Cease Distracting Tinubu.
Ajibola Basiru, the national secretary of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai to find a job and refrain from distracting President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Speaking during an interview with Tribune Online on Sunday, Basiru responded to El-Rufai’s recent comments in Sokoto, where the former governor addressed supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of the opposition party’s grassroots mobilisation efforts in the north-west.
El-Rufai had urged Nigerians to avoid voting for the APC in the 2027 presidential election, warning that the country would struggle to endure another four years under Tinubu’s leadership. He claimed his move to the ADC was driven by a desire to serve, not personal enrichment, stating, “When leadership fails the people, it becomes the duty of every patriotic citizen to stand up and act.” El-Rufai further cautioned that continued APC governance could erode Nigeria’s national cohesion.
In response, Basiru questioned El-Rufai’s haste in launching a media offensive against the APC, noting that the 2027 elections are still two years away, with electoral guidelines not expected until February 2026. He advised El-Rufai to occupy himself elsewhere, suggesting, “He can go back to school to enrich his knowledge or play with his grandchildren.” Basiru emphasised that the APC is focused on strengthening the party while Tinubu concentrates on governance, urging El-Rufai not to disrupt their efforts.
The exchange highlights growing political tensions as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections. El-Rufai, a prominent figure in the APC during his tenure as Kaduna governor, has recently aligned with the ADC, positioning himself as a vocal critic of Tinubu’s administration. His remarks in Sokoto are part of a broader campaign to rally opposition support, raising questions about the APC’s unity and electoral prospects.
Basiru’s comments also reflect the APC’s efforts to consolidate power amid internal and external challenges. The party has faced criticism over economic hardships, with inflation and debt levels straining Nigerians. Despite these issues, Basiru has previously defended Tinubu’s administration, arguing that economic challenges are being addressed and dismissing claims of worsening conditions as exaggerated.
As the political landscape evolves, the APC is working to maintain its dominance. Recent events, such as the endorsement of Tinubu and Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji by former governors and political stakeholders in Ekiti, underscore the party’s focus on rallying support for 2027. Basiru described the ADC as a “conglomeration of expired and lightweight politicians,” asserting that it poses no significant threat to Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The verbal sparring between Basiru and El-Rufai signals an intensifying political rivalry, with the APC seeking to neutralise opposition voices while projecting confidence in Tinubu’s leadership. As Nigeria navigates economic and social challenges, the outcome of these political manoeuvres will likely shape the nation’s trajectory in the lead-up to the next general election.