2027: Tinubu Now a Political Obstacle to El-Rufai Family as Tensions Rise in APC

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s expected bid for re-election in 2027 is generating fresh friction within the ranks of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his family increasingly at the center of the storm.

A notable APC chieftain, Ayekooto Akindele, recently described Tinubu as a “family problem” for the El-Rufais, pointing to online attacks against the president from Bashir El-Rufai, son of the former governor. In a now-viral post on X (formerly Twitter), Bashir wrote:

“Can’t wait for this man to relocate back to Bourdillon. The North is ready.”

Akindele fired back, saying:

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has become the family problem of the El-Rufais. They are groaning and gnashing their teeth.”

The online exchange has further deepened public perception of a political split in the El-Rufai household. While Bashir criticizes Tinubu publicly, his brother, Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai has pledged support for the president, appearing at a recent APC summit to affirm his loyalty to the party.

The family divide appears to reflect a broader political realignment. Nasir El-Rufai, now reportedly affiliated with the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has taken an openly confrontational stance against Tinubu. Speaking to The Punch, the former governor dismissed the idea of Tinubu securing a second term, saying:

“Anybody that thinks it is possible for President Bola Tinubu to get re-elected is living in another country, not Nigeria.”

According to El-Rufai, Nigerians have lost faith in the APC-led administration and are ready for a political change. He warned that even the weakest opposition candidate could defeat the president in 2027, citing economic hardship, rising discontent, and growing internal party dissatisfaction.

The rising tensions come amid a slow but steady build-up to the 2027 general elections.

Although President Tinubu has yet to officially declare his intention to run, several public moves and loyalist rallies indicate the groundwork for re-election is underway.

Political analysts suggest the APC may be heading into a turbulent period as prominent figures like El-Rufai openly challenge Tinubu’s leadership and re-election prospects.

As the race to 2027 intensifies, both party unity and family loyalty appear increasingly fragile, particularly within the influential El-Rufai circle.