Politics

APC Alleges El-Rufai Plotting to Foist Atiku on ADC as Presidential Candidate

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on August 4th, 2025.

APC Alleges El-Rufai Plotting to Foist Atiku on ADC as Presidential Candidate

Abuja, Nigeria – August 4, 2025 – The All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised fresh concerns over an alleged political alliance between former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing the duo of conspiring to install Atiku as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a strongly worded statement released by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the ruling party described the alleged move as “a desperate backdoor attempt to keep Atiku relevant” after successive electoral defeats under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

“The APC has credible intelligence that Nasir El-Rufai is orchestrating a calculated scheme to push Atiku Abubakar into the ADC as its presidential candidate, having failed to secure dominance in the PDP,” the statement read. “This maneuver, if true, reeks of political opportunism and undermines democratic integrity.”

Morka accused El-Rufai of playing a “dangerous political game” by leveraging his influence to reshape opposition dynamics in favor of Atiku. He further alleged that secret meetings had already been held between key ADC stakeholders and emissaries of the former Kaduna governor.

“The Nigerian public must remain vigilant,” Morka continued. “This is not just about party politics; it’s about safeguarding our democracy from shadowy deals and political recycling.”

Attempts to reach El-Rufai and Atiku’s media teams for comment were unsuccessful as of press time. However, a senior ADC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, dismissed the allegation as “fabricated and baseless.”

“This is nothing but a distraction by the APC,” the official said. “Our party remains independent and is currently in the process of internal restructuring—not political bargaining.”

Political analysts have speculated that El-Rufai’s recent estrangement from the APC and his perceived closeness to opposition figures may be fuelling the claims. Still, no concrete evidence has surfaced to support the allegations.

Atiku Abubakar, who ran unsuccessfully in previous elections under the PDP banner, has yet to formally declare his intentions for 2027. Meanwhile, El-Rufai has remained largely silent in recent months, though rumors persist about his future political ambitions.

As Nigeria’s political landscape begins to take shape ahead of the next election cycle, the alleged El-Rufai–Atiku plot is sure to spark further debate and scrutiny among party loyalists, opposition groups, and the genera

l public.