Kaduna – A senior figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a blunt warning to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, urging them to abandon any plans for the 2027 presidential election.
Garba Datti Muhammad, the APC’s National Vice Chairman (North West), in a public statement, advised Atiku to retire from presidential contests, citing his age and lengthy political career.
“For you, Alhaji Atiku,” Datti stated, “my advice is, in your best interest and the interest of Nigerians, it is better you drop the idea of contesting for president in 2027. At 80, you should remain an elder statesman.”
Datti also cautioned Atiku against aligning with “aggrieved politicians,” specifically referencing El-Rufai, who he claims is “dangling the carrot of a coalition” ahead of the next election.
Turning to El-Rufai, Datti appealed for reconciliation with the APC. “As a founding member who toiled for the party’s success, it is worrisome that you would leave at this critical point,” he said.
Datti, a former House of Representatives member from Kaduna State, emphasized El-Rufai’s significant contributions to the APC, highlighting his eight-year tenure as governor under the party’s banner.
The APC official’s remarks come amid speculation about potential political alliances and challenges to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in the lead-up to the 2027 polls.
APC Official Tells Atiku, El-Rufai: ‘Drop 2027 Ambitions’
