Former militant leader Eshanekpe Israel, known as Akpodoro, has strongly criticized Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, for suggesting an alliance between the North and South-South regions in the 2027 elections.

Akpodoro emphasized that the people of the South-South are more enlightened now and will not align with the North to go against President Bola Tinubu’s APC government.
Speaking in Abuja after meeting with leaders from the Niger Delta region, Akpodoro expressed the sentiments of ex-militant leaders and the entire South-South region, stating that el-Rufai overestimates his influence, especially in the South-South. He challenged el-Rufai to highlight his achievements in Kaduna, pointing out that the people of Southern Kaduna are grateful to Tinubu for addressing security challenges.
Akpodoro accused el-Rufai of governing with an iron grip and prioritizing his own interests over the welfare of the people.

He stressed that the North now recognizes that politicians like el-Rufai are self-serving and do not represent the masses.

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has stated that he was never a close associate of President Bola Tinubu. Speaking in an interview with Arise TV on Monday, El-Rufai addressed his stance during the 2022 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election, emphasizing that he remained neutral regarding the choice of candidate.

He explained that his primary concern was ensuring that a Southerner emerged as the party’s flagbearer, rather than supporting any specific individual. According to him, the decision was based on an agreement made during the formation of the APC in 2013, which stipulated that power would shift to the South after President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure.

“I was indifferent on who became the presidential candidate of APC. The only thing I was determined to do was to stop a Northerner from becoming the candidate of the party based on what I know,” he said.

Reaffirming his position, El-Rufai added, “Tinubu was never my friend, we weren’t close.”

Nasir El-Rufai’s statements on Arise TV have shed new light on the circumstances surrounding his withdrawal from consideration as a ministerial nominee under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He firmly refuted claims that the National Assembly rejected his nomination, instead asserting that President Tinubu himself opted to change his mind.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points from El-Rufai’s interview:

• Presidential Decision, Not Rejection:
• El-Rufai emphasized that his withdrawal was not due to a rejection by the Senate. He stated that President Tinubu ultimately decided to alter his initial nomination.
• He said that the president “changed his mind on the nomination”
• Presidential Appeals and Conditions:
• He claimed that President Tinubu “begged him” regarding the ministerial position.
• He mentioned that he had laid out certain conditions, implying that there were discussions and negotiations prior to the final decision.
• Dismissal of Security Report:
• El-Rufai strongly dismissed the existence of any credible security report that supposedly led to his exclusion.
• He said that “The so called security report is now where to be found and there is nothing like that”
• This directly challenges earlier speculations that his nomination was withdrawn due to security concerns raised by certain agencies.
• Acceptance of the Outcome:
• Despite the circumstances, El-Rufai conveyed an attitude of acceptance, stating that it was “okay” for the president to change his mind.
  This interview has significantly altered the narrative surrounding El-Rufai’s ministerial nomination. It shifted the focus from a potential Senate rejection to a presidential decision, and it also cast doubt on the validity of the security report narrative.

Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, the chairman of the Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has asserted that the party will reclaim control of Kano in the upcoming 2027 elections “by any means, in any way, and under any circumstances.” His comments were made during a recent address to party supporters in Kano, captured in a viral video.

Abbas’s statement comes amid internal political maneuvering within the state APC, as some prominent members are reportedly seeking to oust him from his position as chairman.

“Come 2027 polls, APC will reclaim Kano state by any means, in any way and under any circumstances or situation,” he stated emphatically in the video shared by SaharaReporters.

This assertion coincides with remarks from former Kano Governor and leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, who expressed confidence that his party would triumph in the 2027 presidential election. Speaking at the NNPP National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja last week, Kwankwaso claimed that Nigerians are dissatisfied with the current APC-led government. “If there is an election and it is a free and fair election in this country, our party will defeat the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, and other parties in this country,” he stated.

Kwankwaso dismissed suggestions of division within the NNPP, asserting that such claims are made by individuals seeking financial gain.

As Abbas navigates the challenges of maintaining APC dominance in Kano, he faces potential threats to his leadership. With his tenure nearing its end, some party members have initiated efforts to replace him. Among the contenders is former finance commissioner Ibrahim Dan Azumi Gwarzo, who is reportedly supported by former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji.

While Abbas has the option to run for re-election, party secretary Ibrahim Zakari Sarina confirmed that only Dan Azumi has formally expressed his interest in the position. He added that the party has yet to establish a timetable for its congress or begin the sale of nomination forms.

Sources suggest that new party executives could be elected as early as August or October of this year. As the political landscape in Kano heats up, both the APC and NNPP are gearing up for a fierce showdown in the 2027 elections.