APC Warns Atiku and El-Rufai to Drop 2027 Presidential Ambitions

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a strong warning to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, urging them to abandon any presidential ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party’s statement comes amid growing political speculation over potential candidates for the next presidential race.

In a statement released on Tuesday by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the ruling party criticized recent political activities and comments made by both Atiku and el-Rufai, describing them as distractions from the current administration’s efforts to deliver on its mandate. The APC specifically called on both politicians to “tread softly” and to “perish the thought” of seeking the presidency in 2027.

Atiku Abubakar, who was the presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, has continued to maintain a prominent political presence. His recent remarks criticizing the performance of the Bola Tinubu administration have reignited speculation that he may again seek the country’s highest office.

Nasir el-Rufai, a key figure in the APC and former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has also been in the public spotlight. Though he has not formally declared any intention to contest in 2027, his political engagements and recent appearances alongside prominent opposition figures have fueled discussions about a possible cross-party alliance.

In its statement, the APC accused both men of prioritizing personal ambition over national stability. The party emphasized that the current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, is focused on implementing comprehensive reforms and delivering economic growth, and should not be distracted by premature campaign activities.

The ruling party also pointed to what it described as the failure of the opposition to offer constructive criticism. It accused Atiku and his allies of exploiting public concerns for political gain, while ignoring the progress being made in critical sectors such as infrastructure, security, and economic policy.

Morka stated that it was “regrettable” that certain political actors have already begun maneuvering for 2027 instead of allowing the current government to focus on governance. He called on Nigerians to remain patient and to judge the Tinubu administration based on its full term, rather than early political speculation.

The PDP has yet to issue a formal response to the APC’s warning. However, allies of Atiku have previously maintained that the former Vice President remains committed to Nigeria’s democratic process and has a constitutional right to contest any election for which he is eligible.

El-Rufai has also not responded publicly to the APC’s comments. In recent months, he has kept a relatively low profile, but political observers note that his name continues to surface in conversations about future national leadership, especially due to his experience in governance and policy formulation.

The APC’s remarks appear to signal an early attempt to consolidate control within the party and to manage internal and external political ambitions ahead of the next election cycle. With several years remaining before the 2027 polls, the warning may also be intended to discourage open political alignments that could weaken party unity.

Political analysts believe the public exchange could mark the beginning of a prolonged battle over the shape of the 2027 presidential race. Nigeria’s political environment has historically seen early posturing by key figures seeking influence or positioning themselves for future elections.

The warning from the APC is also seen as an effort to project confidence in the Tinubu administration, which has faced challenges related to inflation, security, and currency fluctuations since taking office in 2023. By calling for a focus on governance over politics, the party appears intent on reinforcing the legitimacy and stability of the current leadership.

As 2027 approaches, political tensions are likely to increase, with both ruling and opposition figures preparing their strategies. For now, the APC has made it clear that it will not tolerate early presidential ambitions that could disrupt the administration’s agenda or party cohesion.