In a dramatic political gesture that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s ruling establishment, Honourable Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives from Kaduna State, paid a surprise visit to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Friday, shortly after the weekly Jumma’at prayers.
The meeting, which took place in Abuja, comes at a time of deepening factionalism within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and growing frustration among northern political elites over the direction of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai — himself an increasingly vocal critic of the current presidency — has emerged as one of the most outspoken young lawmakers in the National Assembly. His decision to meet Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s 2023 presidential candidate and one of the most influential political figures in northern Nigeria, has fuelled speculation about realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political Significance
Analysts say the visit is far from routine. Atiku, a veteran politician who has contested the presidency six times, remains a formidable force in the north, where dissatisfaction with economic hardship and insecurity has been mounting.
“This is not just a courtesy call,” said Dr. Jibrin Ibrahim, a senior fellow at the Centre for Democracy and Development. “In Nigerian politics, symbolism matters. El-Rufai is sending a clear message — he is keeping his options open, and the ruling party should be worried.”
The El-Rufai family has been at odds with the Tinubu camp since Nasir El-Rufai, once a powerful APC figure, was controversially blocked from becoming a federal minister despite being nominated. The former governor has since accused the administration of betraying the party’s original vision.
What Was Discussed
While neither El-Rufai nor Atiku’s camp has disclosed the specifics of their conversation, sources close to both men say the discussion touched on the state of the nation, the plight of ordinary Nigerians, and the “need for principled opposition to failed policies.”
Atiku, 79, has kept a relatively low profile since his legal challenge to the 2023 election results failed, but he has remained active behind the scenes, building bridges with disaffected politicians across party lines.
Ruling Party on Edge
The APC has yet to officially comment on the meeting, but party insiders have expressed concern. One senior member, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the visit as “a stab in the back” and warned that “indiscipline will not be tolerated.”
However, others within the party acknowledge that the Tinubu administration faces a growing rebellion from its northern base, where inflation, currency collapse, and widespread insecurity have eroded public confidence.
What’s Next?
Political observers say the meeting could be the first of many as Nigeria enters the long build-up to the 2027 presidential contest. With the opposition fragmented and the ruling party increasingly divided, figures like El-Rufai — young, articulate, and from a powerful political dynasty — are being closely watched.
