A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Musa Ilyasu Kwankwaso, has warned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against using what he described as outdated tactics to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
In a strongly worded statement issued to journalists on Tuesday in Kano, Kwankwaso accused El-Rufai of deploying the same strategy used against former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 — one that focused on exploiting poverty, insecurity, and economic hardship to sway public opinion.
According to Kwankwaso, such tactics are no longer effective and would not work against a president who, in his view, is already making progress in key areas like security and economic recovery.
“You cannot oust President Bola Tinubu from the presidency in 2027 by engaging in the same method you used against former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. Nigerians can see through the blackmail and lies,” he stated.
Kwankwaso, a longtime political ally of Tinubu, said the current administration has achieved notable improvements, particularly in tackling insecurity and stabilising prices. He praised the efforts of National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, saying his leadership has brought visible changes to troubled areas such as Birnin Gwari, Sokoto, and Borno.
“The government is recording success in the fight against terrorism and banditry. Many commanders of these criminal groups have been arrested or neutralised. The people can see the difference,” he said.
Kwankwaso insisted that El-Rufai is upset with the government’s progress, particularly in the area of national security, and is now resorting to political sabotage to undermine Tinubu’s growing popularity.
He also accused El-Rufai of trying to instigate a regional divide, especially in the North, by spreading false claims about Tinubu’s governance. Kwankwaso said such attempts would fail because northerners are politically aware and not easily misled.
“Attempting to deceive the North into turning against President Tinubu is a failed strategy. Northerners are not stupid. They can see the development projects, the improved security, and the government’s sincere efforts,” he said.
Kwankwaso challenged El-Rufai to provide concrete evidence for his claims that the Tinubu administration is sponsoring criminal activities, including banditry. He warned that unless El-Rufai could back up his statements with proof, he should refrain from making further “unpatriotic” remarks.
Kwankwaso also took aim at the emerging opposition coalition reportedly involving El-Rufai, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, his cousin and political rival. He dismissed the alliance as a “gathering of failures,” insisting none of them has a better track record than President Tinubu.
“Who among them has done better than Tinubu when they had the chance? Whether as Vice President, Minister, or Governor, none of them matches Tinubu’s performance and achievements,” Kwankwaso stated.
He urged Nigerians not to be swayed by what he described as “desperate political propaganda” from disgruntled politicians who are out of power and seeking relevance.
In closing, the Kano APC chieftain appealed to Nigerians to remain patient and continue supporting the Tinubu administration, noting that while challenges remain, the president is working hard to put the country back on track.
Kwankwaso added that the nation must stand united against attempts to destabilise the current administration, especially through unverified claims and targeted political blackmail.
“Let us reject all forms of blackmail being pushed by opposition elements. Let us give our president time and support to continue the good work,” he concluded.
While both Tinubu and El-Rufai belong to the ruling APC, tensions have been rising between factions within the party, particularly since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
El-Rufai, who played a major role in APC’s rise to power, has been increasingly critical of the Tinubu government’s policies and appointments. His recent public remarks have sparked speculation about a possible defection or the formation of a new political alliance ahead of the 2027 elections.
