El-Rufai Warns APC Supporters: ‘Playing with Fire’ Ahead of 2027 Elections Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has sounded a strong warning to All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters in the South West, cautioning them that they are “playing with fire” as Nigeria’s political landscape begins to shift towards the 2027 general elections. In an Op-Ed posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, El-Rufai acknowledged that while the 2027 election may seem distant, the current political dynamics demand urgent attention. Quoting the proverb, “a stitch in time saves nine,” he justified his decision to speak out early. APC’s Future at Risk? As a dedicated APC member, El-Rufai wants his party to secure re-election in 2027. However, he remains pragmatic about the challenges ahead. Reflecting on the 2019 party primaries, he recalled warning that if APC strayed from its progressive ideals and focused only on winning elections by any means necessary, it could suffer the same fate as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—which lost power after 16 years. He had earlier predicted that if this trend continued, APC could be ousted at the federal level by 2031—a scenario he believes is now becoming more likely. Concerns Over ‘Arrogance’ in the South West El-Rufai expressed concern over what he described as “ghaghagha”—a term he used to depict growing arrogance and reckless behavior among some APC members and supporters in the South West. He lamented that many Nigerians, with their short political memory, fail to recognize the importance of past lessons. He recalled that before the 2023 presidential election, he had advised against alienating the North. That warning, he said, proved accurate, as northern support was crucial in securing President Bola Tinubu’s victory. Deteriorating Relationship with the North However, less than two years into Tinubu’s tenure, El-Rufai observed that the relationship between the administration and the North is rapidly deteriorating. He attributed this to the actions and rhetoric of certain individuals from the President’s geopolitical zone. He warned that such behavior mirrors the mistakes made by the PDP during President Goodluck Jonathan’s era, when the party’s perceived disrespect towards the North contributed to its downfall—despite holding a once-formidable political structure. The North: Nigeria’s Political ‘Kingmaker’ According to El-Rufai, ignoring the political influence of the North could prove costly for any party. “Love or loathe the fact, the North remains the kingmaker in Nigerian politics, at least for now. Any politician or party that disregards this reality may pay a steep political price,” he asserted. A Call for APC to Refocus El-Rufai urged APC supporters to learn from history and avoid mistakes driven by tribal and geopolitical arrogance. He called on the party to prioritize governance and deliver on its promises to Nigerians instead of engaging in divisive politics. In closing, he reaffirmed his support for APC and President Tinubu, emphasizing that the party’s long-term survival depends on a renewed commitment to progressive ideology and political accountability. “It is whom you love that you chastise,” he concluded, underscoring the importance of honest introspection and strategic planning in navigating Nigeria’s complex political landscape. 
