Abuja — The National Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Garba Muhammad, has warned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to tread carefully as they weigh their options ahead of the 2027 general election.
In an open letter, Muhammad, a former federal lawmaker who represented the Sabon Gari constituency for 16 years, advised Atiku to abandon his long-standing presidential ambition. He argued that Atiku, who has been contesting for Nigeria’s highest office since 1993, should embrace his role as an elder statesman and step away from active partisan politics.
“You are at it again,” Muhammad wrote, addressing Atiku. “But this time, sensing that the PDP may not offer you the ticket, you are exploring a coalition with other aggrieved politicians. At 80 by 2027, it is time to retire from contesting and maintain the dignity of your statesmanship.”
Muhammad cautioned Atiku against being lured by political figures like El-Rufai, who are allegedly pushing for a new political alliance. He reminded the former vice president of his controversial legacy, including his role in spearheading the privatisation of key national assets during the Obasanjo administration.
To El-Rufai, Muhammad urged a return to the APC fold, stating that the former governor’s recent actions and criticisms of the ruling party contradict his earlier commitment to withdraw from politics if he ever left the APC.
“It is worrisome that you’ve distanced yourself from the APC after playing a crucial role in its formation and serving as governor under its platform for eight years,” he said. “You once stated that leaving the APC would mean quitting politics entirely. It’s time to either reconcile with the party or keep that promise.”
Muhammad also addressed reports of possible realignments with smaller parties like the SDP, dismissing the likelihood that PDP governors would defect. “Who will leave certainty for uncertainty?” he asked, warning that such moves could lead to major political miscalculations.
He went on to commend the current leadership in Kaduna State, especially Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas and Governor Uba Sani, for fostering stability and unity. According to him, their inclusive leadership has attracted notable figures across party lines and contributed to peace in the state’s rural communities.
Highlighting political gains in the region, Muhammad noted that the North West has benefited significantly under the current administration, with strategic appointments including the Speaker of the House, the Deputy Senate President, the APC National Chairman, two ministers of defence, and key service chiefs.
He concluded by urging northern politicians to allow the South complete its eight-year presidential tenure before seeking a power shift, in the interest of national balance and continuity.
