The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has advised former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to seek meaningful engagement and stop distracting President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party.
Basiru issued the remark in an interview with Tribune Online on Sunday, following recent comments by El-Rufai in Sokoto where the former governor addressed supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). El-Rufai had warned Nigerians against voting for the APC in 2027, claiming that the nation may not survive another term under President Tinubu’s leadership.
Reacting, Basiru dismissed El-Rufai’s criticisms, questioning why the former governor was preoccupied with the 2027 elections, which are still two years away.
“Why is he in a hurry? 2027 is still far off. The guidelines for the election won’t even be released until February 2026,” Basiru said. “El-Rufai should go and find something productive to do.”
The APC national secretary further suggested that El-Rufai could consider returning to school to enhance his knowledge or spend more time with his grandchildren.
“We are focused on rebuilding our party and President Tinubu is committed to the business of governance. El-Rufai should not distract us,” he added.
El-Rufai had previously stated that he joined a coalition aimed at removing the APC from power and pledged to mobilize Nigerians against what he described as the party’s “incompetent” leadership.
However, Basiru maintained that such moves are premature and unhelpful, urging the former governor to allow the democratic process to unfold in due time.
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