Politics
El-Rufai’s Political Calculations: A Grand Alliance Against APC in 2027….?
By Hon. Isah Abuh Yousouf
The political landscape in Nigeria is witnessing a significant shift as former Kaduna State governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai joins the Social Democratic Party (SDP). His move is widely interpreted as a strategic step toward building a strong opposition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections. Rather than seeking a mere alliance with APC, El-Rufai appears to be orchestrating a coalition of key political figures and parties to mount a formidable challenge against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
A Grand Strategy in Motion
El-Rufai’s recent political engagements suggest he is working to unite opposition forces. His meetings with top politicians across party lines, including Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), indicate a broader plan in the making. Even Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, is reportedly in consultation with his close allies, aware of El-Rufai’s maneuvers.
One of the key figures whose stance remains uncertain is Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). While his political future is unclear, there is speculation that he may be convinced to join the movement. If he refuses, he could face strong opposition from key APC leaders in Kano State, including Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin, who could work to weaken his influence.
On the other hand, former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, a staunch PDP member with strong ties to the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) ideology, is unlikely to abandon his party but is also unlikely to support Tinubu. In the end, he may align with Atiku and, by extension, El-Rufai’s grand coalition.
Silent Forces Within APC
Interestingly, many APC stalwarts are rumored to be quietly supporting El-Rufai’s movement. Some fear openly declaring their stance due to potential Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigations, while others are waiting for the right moment to reveal their allegiance. Should the movement gain momentum, they may have no choice but to come out in full force.
Meanwhile, some PDP governors, particularly those serving their final terms, are sitting on the fence, waiting to see how events unfold. Many are expected to join the ruling party if they sense an advantage, especially as PDP struggles with internal crises, mainly caused by the influence of Nyesom Wike.
Additionally, some close associates of former President Muhammadu Buhari are allegedly working behind the scenes to support El-Rufai’s mission. However, they are hesitant to openly express their support at this stage.
Impact on APC and the Tinubu Administration
El-Rufai’s strategy has already sent shockwaves through the APC. The ruling party now realizes that the Nigerian public is dissatisfied with its performance. Reports suggest that even some APC members are secretly celebrating this emerging political shift. If this movement continues to gain traction, it could force the Tinubu administration to make urgent policy adjustments to regain public confidence.
The Role of Atiku and Peter Obi
If the political calculations go as planned, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi may ultimately take the leadership of this coalition, with El-Rufai acting as the director of the movement. Despite being a central figure in this realignment, El-Rufai is not currently interested in running for president. Instead, his goal is to play a pivotal role in unseating Tinubu’s government, ensuring a new political order emerges in 2027.
Additionally, El-Rufai is reportedly determined to defeat his former ally, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, whom he wants to teach a political lesson. Some critics argue that his moves are not necessarily for the benefit of ordinary Nigerians but rather to advance his political ambitions. However, given the current economic hardship, many citizens appear willing to support any movement that challenges the Tinubu administration—even if it were led by the devil himself, as some cynically put it.
Final Thoughts: A Nation in Political Flux
As Nigeria’s political scene continues to evolve, it is crucial for citizens to remain vigilant and prayerful. The lessons from previous political disappointments, such as the disillusionment with former President Buhari, serve as a stark reminder. Nigerians must carefully assess any emerging political movement before giving it their full support.
For now, El-Rufai’s grand political chess game is in motion, and only time will tell whether it will lead to the fall of APC or another realignment of political interests.
By Our Political Reporter
The Gombe APC Councillor Aspirants Forum has announced plans to hold a gathering aimed at demonstrating its support and solidarity with a candidate ahead of the forthcoming political activities in the state.
The event, scheduled for Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 3:30 p.m., will take place at the Educational Resources Centre, Tashan Dukku, Gombe State.
According to the invitation notice issued by the Gombe APC Councillor Aspirants Forum (GOCAF-2020/2026), the gathering is being organised to demonstrate the forum’s support and unity among APC councillor aspirants.
The organisers said the event will also provide an opportunity to present the activities, contributions and plans of the forum towards strengthening the All Progressives Congress (APC) and contributing to what they described as the success of the party.
The invitation specifically describes the programme as “A Gathering in Support of Candidate”, although the name of the candidate is obscured on the copy of the invitation available for publication.
The forum said the gathering is expected to bring together members and stakeholders associated with the APC councillorship aspirants’ platform to discuss issues concerning the party and its grassroots structures.
The development comes as political activities and preparations for the 2027 general elections continue to intensify across Gombe State and other parts of Nigeria. Recent reporting has also documented increased political activity involving major parties in Gombe ahead of the 2027 elections.
The organisers invited members, supporters and other relevant stakeholders to attend the gathering, which they said would provide an avenue to showcase the forum’s activities and its contribution to the development of the APC.
The invitation listed the contact numbers 08062863525, 09116706265 and 08031107293 for further enquiries.
Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Venue: Educational Resources Centre, Tashan Dukku, Gombe State.
By Our Political Correspondent
The Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) in Gombe State has unveiled a 21-member campaign structure for its governorship campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The structure, described in the document as the “Approved Structure of the Alliance for Progressive Movement (APM) Gombe State Gubernatorial Campaign Team,” is headed by the Director-General, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Jibrin of Akko Local Government Area.
The campaign structure was formally approved and endorsed by the party’s Gombe State governorship candidate, Dr. Lamela L. Silas, according to the document.
The development comes as the APM continues to strengthen its organisational structure in the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Dr. Silas and Alhaji Wadaji Umar Lawan were unveiled as the party’s governorship and deputy governorship candidates respectively in August 2026.
Under the approved structure, Hon. Jethro Usman of Billiri will serve as Deputy Director-General, while Alhaji Sani Bappah Nafada is designated Assistant Coordinator North.
Mallam Baba Sama Kuri of Yamaltu-Deba will serve as Assistant Coordinator Central, while Hon. Garba Abubakar of Billiri will coordinate the Southern Senatorial District.
The position of General Secretary goes to Alhaji Hassan Dawaki of Dukku, with Hon. Abdullahi Muhammad of Yamaltu-Deba serving as Assistant General Secretary.
Other members include Hon. Baba Manu Kwami, Financial Secretary; Dr. Muhammad Basuna Lano, Treasurer; and Hon. Gaddafi Haruna, Director of Contact and Mobilisation.
Hon. Zakari Kwapondi of Kaltungo was named Assistant Director of Contact and Mobilisation.
In the media and communications arm, Hussaini Sani Babangida of Gombe was appointed Director of Media and Publicity, while Abubakar Abdullahi of Akko was named Director of Social Media.
The structure also names Isah Muhammad Lasdon as Youth Leader, with Yohana Peter Lalapido serving as Assistant Youth Leader.
The women’s wing is headed by Haj. Aishatu Yakubu Tula of Kaltungo as Women Leader, while Binta Maikudi Shamaki of Gombe was appointed Assistant Women Leader.
For organisational affairs, Comr. Abdullahi Batari of Balanga was appointed Organising Secretary, with Alhaji Muhammad Manu Isa of Funakaye as Assistant Organising Secretary.
The legal department comprises San. Luka Haruna of Akko as Legal Officer and Barr. Sa’idu Muhammad Wade of Yamaltu-Deba as Assistant Legal Officer.
Full APM Gombe Campaign Structure
1. Director-General (DG): Rt. Hon. Yusuf Jibrin — Akko
2. Deputy Director-General (DDG): Hon. Jethro Usman — Billiri
3. Assistant Coordinator North: Alh. Sani Bappah Nafada — Nafada
4. Assistant Coordinator Central: Mallam Baba Sama Kuri — Yamaltu-Deba
5. Assistant Coordinator South: Hon. Garba Abubakar — Billiri
6. General Secretary: Alh. Hassan Dawaki — Dukku
7. Assistant General Secretary: Hon. Abdullahi Muhammad — Yamaltu-Deba
8. Financial Secretary: Hon. Baba Manu Kwami — Kwami
9. Treasurer: Dr. Muhammad Basuna Lano — Yamaltu-Deba
10. Director, Contact & Mobilisation: Hon. Gaddafi Haruna — Gombe
11. Assistant Director, Contact & Mobilisation: Hon. Zakari Kwapondi — Kaltungo
12. Director, Media & Publicity: Hussaini Sani Babangida — Gombe
13. Director, Social Media: Abubakar Abdullahi — Akko
14. Youth Leader: Isah Muhammad Lasdon — Gombe
15. Assistant Youth Leader: Yohana Peter Lalapido — Shongom
16. Women Leader: Haj. Aishatu Yakubu Tula — Kaltungo
17. Assistant Women Leader: Binta Maikudi Shamaki — Gombe
18. Organising Secretary: Comr. Abdullahi Batari — Balanga
19. Assistant Organising Secretary: Alh. Muhammad Manu Isa — Funakaye
20. Legal Officer: San. Luka Haruna — Akko
21. Assistant Legal Officer: Barr. Sa’idu Muhammad Wade — Yamaltu-Deba
The composition gives representation to several local government areas and assigns responsibilities across coordination, administration, mobilisation, media, youth, women, organisation and legal affairs.
The APM has in recent weeks also engaged its national leadership in Abuja, with Dr. Silas and his running mate discussing party development, election planning and strengthening the party’s grassroots organisation in Gombe.
The newly released campaign structure is therefore expected to serve as an organisational framework for coordinating the party’s activities across the state as preparations for the 2027 governorship election continue.
The document lists the appointments as formally approved and endorsed by Dr. Lamela L. Silas.
Willies Ugo, Gombe
A socio-political group, Forward Nigeria, has kicked off its political advocacy campaign with a call on Northern Nigeria political stakeholders to respect the gentleman power shift arrangement between the North and South.
Co-Convener of the group, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who is also the Kano State Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, made the call at the formal unveiling of the group held at Barcelona Hotel Abuja, over the weekend.
Membership of Forward Nigeria cuts across all parts of Nigeria and Comrade Ibrahim Waiya said the group is of the view that since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999, the North-South power rotation has been maintained between the two regions with a view to fostering national unity and even development across the country.
The group is therefore urging political stakeholders in the North to respect the principle of power rotation and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to complete the eight-year presidential tenure before the North seeks to reclaim power.
According to Comrade Waiya, returning the presidency to the North after only one term would undermine the principle of power rotation and risk reopening sectional tensions that have historically shaped Nigeria’s presidential politics.
Waiya argued that the North should not seek to claim presidency in 2027 after only four years of the current administration, insisting that allowing Tinubu to complete the eight years would provide political continuity and give his Government time to consolidate its policies, programmes and projects initiated for the overall progress and developmentof Nigeria.
He urged Northern political stakeholders to place the broader principle of national balance above immediate electoral calculations saying, “Nigerians should focus on governance and development rather than allowing the 2027 contest to revive sectional divisions”.
Waiya said, “the Tinubu administration inherited enormous economic and security challenges in 2023 and had since introduced measures which, were putting the country on a different trajectory”.
He cited Local Government autonomy, increased financial resources accruing to sub-national Governments and moves towards establishing State police structures as reforms that could strengthen governance and security.
Waiya disclosed that Kano State had already established a State Police implementation committee, which he added could contribute to job creation and improved security when fully implemented.
Waiya described “Nigeria Forward” as a bridge between policy and people as well as a platform for bottom to top citizens engagement insisting that the NF was not owned by any particular political party but has been dedicated to all Nigerians.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology and co-convener of the movement, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, said the Federal Government’s reforms were designed to move Nigeria from infrastructure and connectivity to production, jobs and prosperity.
He said Nigeria’s development story, particularly in the North, should not be reduced to political slogans, urging citizens to examine what was being built, where projects were located, the problems they were solving and who stood to benefit.
Tochukwu Udeh said infrastructure should be judged by its practical impact, noting that roads should connect farmers to markets while railways should reduce the cost of transporting goods. He identified energy and digital connectivity as important to expanding opportunities for young Nigerians.
He described the administration’s development trajectory as “reform to infrastructure, infrastructure to connectivity, connectivity to production, production to jobs and jobs to prosperity,” and called on Nigerians to support Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 to consolidate the reforms.
He urged Nigeria Forward members to make evidence, inclusiveness, innovation and national unity the foundation of their activities, saying the platform’s message of “Together We Move Nigeria Forward” should translate into a commitment to service, citizenship and national development.
End
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