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El-Rufai Warns APC Risks 2027 Election Loss

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, January 24th 2026 at 2:02 GMT by legit
      Locale: NIGERIA

Kaduna, Nigeria - January 24th, 2026 - A stark warning has resonated within the All Progressives Congress (APC) today, delivered by Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. In a statement that has sent ripples of concern through the ruling party, El-Rufai cautioned that the APC risks losing the 2027 presidential election if it fails to confront and rectify its current internal and performance-related challenges.

El-Rufai's comments, reported by Legit.ng, reflect a growing unease within the APC regarding its long-term electoral viability. While the party has held power for several years, the governor's frank assessment highlights a growing disconnect between public perception and the APC's self-assessment. His words carry significant weight, given his prominent role within the party and his reputation for candor.

A Critical Evaluation of APC's Performance

The Governor's warning isn't a mere expression of pessimism. It's underpinned by a specific critique of the APC's achievements, or lack thereof, during its tenure. He directly pointed to the party's perceived shortcomings in key areas: infrastructure development and economic stability. Importantly, El-Rufai's remarks included a comparison to the People's Democratic Party (PDP)'s 16-year reign. While the PDP era faced its own criticisms, El-Rufai's comparison implicitly suggests that the APC has not sufficiently distinguished itself in these vital sectors.

This comparison is particularly striking. The PDP's prolonged period in power, ending in 2015, remains a benchmark against which many Nigerians evaluate successive administrations. To hear a senior APC figure acknowledge that the party's progress has been underwhelming relative to that period is a clear sign of internal anxieties.

"We have to be honest with ourselves. If we don't address these issues, we will lose the 2027 election," El-Rufai stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. This is not a call for minor adjustments but a demand for a fundamental reassessment of strategy and execution.

Internal Strife and the Need for Unity

Beyond policy and performance, El-Rufai stressed the crucial role of internal party unity. The APC has been plagued by infighting and factionalism since its formation, a recurring challenge that has consistently threatened its stability. El-Rufai urged APC leaders to move beyond these divisions, acknowledging that the party's competitiveness hinges on a unified front.

Resolving internal conflicts and "repositioning" the party for future success are, according to El-Rufai, non-negotiable priorities. Strategic planning and a clear vision are vital to ensure the APC can effectively respond to the challenges ahead and regain public trust.

Broader Context and Potential Consequences

El-Rufai's warning comes against a backdrop of increasing public criticism of the APC's handling of the economy and the escalating security challenges facing the nation. Inflation remains high, unemployment continues to be a concern, and insecurity in various regions persists. These factors collectively erode public confidence in the government, creating a fertile ground for opposition parties to gain traction.

The 2027 election will be a critical test for the APC. With a resurgent PDP and potentially other emerging political forces vying for power, the APC cannot afford to ignore El-Rufai's warning. The party needs to demonstrate tangible progress on the economic front, proactively address security concerns, and heal internal divisions if it hopes to retain its hold on power. Failure to do so, as El-Rufai so bluntly put it, could result in a decisive defeat at the polls.

Analysts suggest El-Rufai's intervention is a deliberate attempt to force a period of introspection within the APC, potentially triggering a leadership reshuffle or a significant policy overhaul in the coming months. The political landscape of Nigeria is shifting, and the APC's response to this warning will be closely watched both domestically and internationally.