The All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised serious allegations against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, accusing the duo of undermining Nigeria’s unity, peace, and progress through their recent political actions and utterances.
APC Warns of Growing Subversive Tendencies
In a statement issued on Monday, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the activities of Atiku and el-Rufai, both senior figures in the opposition camp, have become “increasingly toxic and calculated to destabilize Nigeria’s democratic order.”
TJ News Nigeria reports that the ruling party expressed deep concern over what it described as “persistent attempts to discredit the federal government” and “fan ethnic and religious divisions for political gain.”
“It is regrettable that former leaders who once benefited immensely from Nigeria’s unity now seek to erode it for selfish ambition,” the statement read.
Allegations Stem from Recent Comments and Political Moves
Though the APC did not cite specific incidents, the statement appears to be a response to recent political alignments, public criticisms, and alleged behind-the-scenes maneuvers involving Atiku and el-Rufai.
- Atiku has been vocal in his criticism of the current administration, particularly on economic and security matters.
- El-Rufai, on the other hand, has maintained a low public profile but is reportedly linked to ongoing realignments aimed at creating a new political coalition ahead of 2027.
The APC accused both men of “covertly working to undermine national institutions, including the judiciary and security agencies.
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Atiku, El-Rufai Yet to Respond
As of the time of filing this report, neither Atiku Abubakar nor Nasir el-Rufai has issued a formal response to the APC’s accusations.
However, a source close to the former vice president told TJ News Nigeria that “such baseless accusations are a sign of political desperation by the ruling party.”
Political analysts suggest that this marks an escalation in tensions between the APC and major opposition figures as Nigeria inches closer to another election cycle.
A Divided Opposition?
There have been reports of strained relations and realignment efforts within Nigeria’s political opposition. El-Rufai, who was once a strong APC loyalist, has kept a noticeable distance from the party since leaving office in 2023.
Atiku, meanwhile, remains a leading figure in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), despite internal divisions that followed the 2023 presidential elections.
While there is no official indication that both men are working together politically, the APC’s joint naming of the two may signal concern over a possible alliance.
Security Agencies Briefed, Says APC
The APC also stated that it has “alerted appropriate security agencies” to monitor the situation, insisting that any actions threatening Nigeria’s sovereignty must be addressed urgently.
“This party will not stand idle while enemies of the state hide behind politics to incite unrest and sabotage national unity,” the statement concluded.
Public Reactions Mixed
Reactions to the APC’s claims have been mixed across social media platforms:
- Some Nigerians expressed concern over what they see as an effort to silence critics of the government.
- Others agreed with the APC, accusing political elites of playing divisive politics at the expense of national cohesion.
Analysts Call for Restraint
Political analysts and civil society groups have urged both the ruling party and opposition leaders to exercise restraint and prioritize national interest over political rivalry.
Dr. Ayo Oladele, a political science lecturer at the University of Lagos, said:
“Nigeria is already facing major economic and security challenges. This is not the time for political witch-hunting or reckless power games.”
What This Means for 2027 Elections
With the next general elections less than two years away, political tension is expected to rise. The APC’s recent move may be part of a broader strategy to discredit emerging power blocs before they gain traction.
Observers believe that Atiku and el-Rufai, if aligned, could shape future political dynamics—especially if they manage to galvanize other disaffected elites and youth movements.
