El-Rufai’s defection triggers strategic moves within APC

In a move seen as a strategic manoeuvre to bolster his chances in the 2027 presidential election, President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have begun poaching key politicians from the Northern region of the country in a bid to expand their influence in the region.

A source in the presidency disclosed that Tinubu is targeting influential figures who can deliver crucial votes in the upcoming election.

This comes after the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, left the ruling APC for the Social Democratic Party (SDP). El-Rufai disclosed this in a press statement released on Monday, March 10, 2025.

He said, “At this point in my political journey, I have concluded that I must seek another political platform to pursue the progressive values I cherish.”

The former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) cited a ‘growing misalignment’ between his personal values and the current direction of the APC as the primary reason for his decision.

“We are building a formidable team that will guarantee victory for our party in 2027, particularly in the North, especially following El-Rufai’s defection from the party,” said the source who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The APC is also expected to expand its efforts in the South-East and South-South, where Tinubu received low votes in the 2023 election.

In the South-East and South-South, Tinubu’s team is said to be in talks with several high-profile politicians, including governors and senators.

“Our leader is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to assemble a diverse coalition of supporters from across the country,” the source added.

Former governor El-Rufai had criticised the leadership of the government and the ruling party over some decisions, which he felt did not benefit the majority of Nigerians.

He was also seen hobnobbing with leaders of opposition parties, especially former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and chieftains of the SDP.