APC, Others Slam El-Rufai and Atiku as Anti-Tinubu Coalition Gains Momentum

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political figures on Monday criticized former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar for spearheading a proposed coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

The move to build a strong opposition against Tinubu’s re-election bid continues to gather momentum.

El-Rufai recently defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) from the APC, citing ideological differences with the ruling party as his reason for leaving.

Speaking in a BBC Hausa interview after his defection, El-Rufai urged Atiku, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Minister Rauf Aregbesola, and other opposition leaders to join forces with him in the SDP.

El-Rufai has recently been seen engaging with Atiku, fueling speculation that the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate may be collaborating with the former Kaduna governor to build a coalition against President Tinubu.

Atiku has repeatedly stressed the importance of opposition unity, stating that he is actively working to bring various opposition parties together in a strategic alliance to challenge the ruling party in 2027.

Similarly, Peter Obi and the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed, met in Bauchi last week, where they agreed to collaborate in efforts to establish new leadership in the country ahead of the next elections.

Several political heavyweights are reportedly involved in the growing coalition against President Tinubu, including former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, ex-Attorney General Abubakar Malami, and former Senate President Ahmed Lawan.

Others linked to the movement include Rotimi Amaechi, former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, ex-Cross River Governor Liyel Imoke, former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and ex-Minister Rauf Aregbesola, along with other unnamed APC and PDP chieftains.

When asked about his potential move to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Amaechi declined to comment, simply stating, "No comment." Meanwhile, Nwajiuba, Dalung, Adamu, and Aregbesola remained unresponsive to calls and messages on Monday.

A key figure in Aregbesola’s Omoluabi Movement, ‘Lowo Adebiyi, hinted at an impending political announcement, stating, "When the time comes, we will announce it. Several factors are being considered, and the decision will be made soon."

Additionally, reports suggest that top members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC)—one of APC’s founding parties—are also planning to align with the SDP-led coalition in a bid to unseat Tinubu in 2027.

Reacting to the emerging coalition against President Tinubu, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka dismissed Nasir El-Rufai's invitation to the SDP as "an offer to drink from a cup tainted by vengefulness and a delusion of grandeur."

In a statement on Monday, the APC accused El-Rufai of being bitter over his failure to secure a ministerial appointment in Tinubu’s administration.

"His claim that he left because the party deviated from its founding values is merely a smokescreen to mask personal grievances as principled dissent. El-Rufai appears traumatized by his inability to land a ministerial position," Morka stated.

He further criticized El-Rufai, saying, "Nursing a bruised ego, he now lashes out at the platform that propelled him to political prominence. If political conviction was truly his motivation, how does the Social Democratic Party (SDP) serve as an ideological safe haven?"

Morka argued that Nigerians see through El-Rufai’s motives, insisting he is driven by self-interest rather than genuine concern for the country.

"We continue to welcome millions of new members nationwide who identify with our party’s values and support President Tinubu’s bold, transformative policies that are driving sustainable growth and prosperity," he added.

Echoing this sentiment, APC Lagos State Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, dismissed opposition efforts, asserting that Tinubu remains unstoppable.

Ojelabi downplayed concerns about a coalition against Tinubu, insisting it poses no real threat.

"I don’t see this as a gang-up against Tinubu. They are free to join any coalition or political party of their choice. We are focused on our work. The truth is, Tinubu is unstoppable," he said.

He emphasized that Tinubu’s achievements speak for themselves, adding, "There will always be a few disgruntled elements."

Dismissing the coalition’s potential impact, Ojelabi described it as a futile effort.

"This so-called coalition is purely driven by personal interests. Once they try to merge those interests, it will collapse before it even begins. It lacks a solid foundation and comes at a time when Asiwaju is reshaping the country’s economy," he asserted.

Similarly, APC North-West Zonal Publicity Secretary, Musa Mailafiya, questioned the viability of the SDP as a core platform for a strong opposition.

"El-Rufai is simply leading some of his supporters on a wild goose chase," he remarked.Mailafiya questioned the legitimacy of the so-called coalition, dismissing it as an effort without a solid foundation.

"Is this how to build a coalition? Did you listen to Sule Lamido’s speech? Let’s be realistic—do you really see the SDP as a viable platform for such an alliance? They are forming a coalition solely based on the SDP’s nomination," he argued.

He went on to describe El-Rufai’s moves as mere political noise, accusing him of trying to dismantle the APC—the very party that gave him a platform for two gubernatorial terms.

"El-Rufai is desperate to bring down the APC, but he remains in denial. He even admitted that the APC left him, not the other way around. Time will tell if this so-called coalition will even survive," he added.

Mailafiya also dismissed claims that El-Rufai could convince APC bigwigs like Abdulaziz Yari to defect.

"I read somewhere that he plans to bring in figures like Yari. These are people deeply committed to APC unity. Their political stature far exceeds that of El-Rufai. He is simply grasping at straws," he stated.

Galadima’s Take: A Coalition Built on Illegality

NNPP chieftain Buba Galadima criticized the proposed coalition, claiming it lacked legitimacy and failed to serve the public interest.

In an interview with The PUNCH, Galadima described El-Rufai as nothing more than a placeholder for Atiku in the SDP.

He also revealed that NNPP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Musa Kwankwaso, was invited to join but declined due to distrust in the coalition's leadership and timing.

"I don’t think El-Rufai will succeed because he lacks credibility and has alienated too many people. This could ultimately destroy the SDP itself," Galadima warned.

He further argued that El-Rufai does not even control the SDP.

"He is just holding space for someone else. We know exactly who the real power players are, and they, too, come with heavy political baggage. This strategy won’t work. You can’t seize power simply out of anger," he added.

"No One Trusts El-Rufai"

Galadima doubled down on his criticism, saying El-Rufai’s history of betrayal would be his downfall.

"El-Rufai has made too many enemies. He turned against Obasanjo, then Buhari, and now Tinubu. No one trusts him, and I don’t believe God will allow him to succeed," he declared.

Shittu Stays Loyal to APC

Meanwhile, former Minister of Communications Adebayo Shittu distanced himself from the anti-Tinubu coalition, reaffirming his loyalty to the APC.

"I am APC, pure and simple. In fact, I am aspiring to be the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State," he stated.

Shittu admitted that he had been approached to join the SDP but firmly declined.

"Yes, I was invited to join, but I have no reason to leave the APC or abandon Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda," he concluded.

Shittu reiterated his stance against the proposed coalition, arguing that it is unnecessary at this time.

"Once again, I am not part of this coalition because it is not what Nigeria needs right now. Secondly, Tinubu still has time to transform this country into the nation we all aspire to see."

He pointed to key infrastructural projects initiated by the current administration as evidence of progress.

"Take the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, for example, along with other major developments. These are national projects that will bring real relief to Nigerians. Instead of forming a coalition, we should take pride in these achievements," he said.

Oshuntokun Questions Opposition Unity Ahead of 2027

Former Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, Akin Oshuntokun, has cast doubt on the feasibility of a strong opposition alliance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking on Arise Television on Monday, Oshuntokun highlighted a major obstacle to forming a united front against the APC: the presidential ambitions of key opposition figures, particularly Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar.

He noted that both leaders contested the 2023 election and are likely to run again in 2027, making collaboration difficult.

"Obi has a strong following, especially among the youth and the Obidient movement, while Atiku enjoys support from the Northern political establishment. This dynamic makes it challenging to bring them together under a single opposition banner," he explained.

Oshuntokun warned that unless one of them steps aside, the opposition risks repeating the mistakes of 2023, where divisions ultimately weakened their chances against the ruling party. Oshuntokun suggested that for the opposition to stand a real chance in 2027, Peter Obi might need to reconsider his presidential ambition and instead focus on strengthening a formidable political movement.

"There are discussions about bringing in an entirely new candidate to lead the coalition. The challenge now is how to solidify this alliance and ensure its success," he said.

Addressing the dilemma surrounding Obi’s role, Oshuntokun noted that some believe he should join forces with Atiku, possibly as a running mate.

"It’s a valid argument, but it also comes with risks. If Obi aligns with Atiku, he could lose credibility among young voters who see him as a distinct alternative to the traditional political class," he explained.

He also cautioned that Obi may struggle to replicate his 2023 success if he runs independently without forming strategic alliances.

"Obi is in a tough spot. There will be pressure on him to accept a vice-presidential slot alongside a Northern politician. However, the Obidient Movement firmly opposes this, as they see him as their leader and a symbol of change," Oshuntokun added.

While acknowledging the push for a fresh face to lead the opposition, he emphasized the difficulty of uniting different political factions under one banner.

Oshuntokun argued that for any opposition coalition to have a real chance at unseating the APC-led government in 2027, discontent within the North must be at its core.

"If there is any hope of removing the current administration, it must come from the North’s dissatisfaction with Tinubu," he stated.

Meanwhile, an SDP chieftain in Ondo State, Shola Agboola, dismissed the proposed coalition, insisting it is doomed to fail due to internal divisions within the party.

Agboola claimed that no matter who joins the SDP, its National Working Committee (NWC), led by Shehu Musa Gabam, lacks legitimacy.

"Ordinarily, when political heavyweights join a party, it should be an advantage, bringing added value. However, you can’t just allow someone in who intends to hijack the party," he said.

He further revealed that the SDP is deeply factionalized, with two rival camps.

"Faction A, the original group, consists of the party’s bonafide members and is led by Simon Adesina. The other, a parallel faction led by Gabam, is operating an illegitimate NWC," Agboola alleged. An SDP chieftain, Shola Agboola, has cast doubts over the legitimacy of Shehu Musa Gabam’s leadership, questioning how he rose to become the party’s National Chairman.

"I urge you to ask Gabam when and how he joined the SDP. How did he become the national chairman? Was it done legitimately or through questionable means?" Agboola stated. He alleged that Gabam was never properly elected but instead declared himself chairman after serving as the party’s secretary.

"The imbalance in the SDP has been ongoing for some time. I am not impressed by these so-called political heavyweights if they lack sincerity of purpose," he added.

However, the SDP National Secretary, Olu Agunloye, dismissed claims of a crisis within the party, maintaining that the leadership under Gabam remains intact. "There is no leadership crisis in our great party, the Social Democratic Party, under the leadership of Alhaji Shehu Gabam," Agunloye asserted.

He highlighted a surge in high-profile politicians joining the SDP, stating that more entrants are expected.

Addressing rumors of an internal plot to remove him, Agunloye ruled out El-Rufai’s involvement.

"No, I do not think El-Rufai is behind it. The much-respected former Kaduna State Governor only joined SDP on March 10, 2025," he clarified.

Former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West) and key strategist in the proposed opposition coalition, Salihu Lukman, has revealed that consultations are ongoing between his camp and the leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Lukman, a close ally of Nasir El-Rufai, emphasized the importance of careful planning before making any major political move to avoid past mistakes.

"After realizing that the APC is almost beyond redemption, our goal is to unite opposition leaders and discontented APC members—what we call internally displaced politicians—to form a true alternative party that fosters genuine political competition," he stated.

He criticized Nigeria’s current political landscape, arguing that democracy has become too predictable under the APC.

"If things remain unchanged, you can already predict that Asiwaju (Tinubu) will be the APC’s presidential candidate in 2027. First-time governors will automatically get second-term tickets, regardless of their popularity or performance. Lawmakers at all levels will also be handpicked based on their loyalty, not merit."

Lukman further clarified that his camp may align with the SDP if their conditions are met.

"We are still in discussions. If they fulfill our requirements tomorrow, we will move. If not, we will keep exploring other options," he added.

However, he expressed concern over El-Rufai’s swift defection to the SDP, implying that the move might have been premature.