Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has indeed alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is deliberately fueling internal crises within opposition parties by sponsoring rival factions. This strategy, he claims, has weakened major opposition platforms, prompting key political figures to consider forming a new party ahead of the 2027 general election
El-Rufai revealed that opposition leaders are working to register a new political group, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This initiative aims to provide an alternative platform capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
El-Rufai stated that the APC has injected “viruses” into opposition parties by funding factions and sowing discord, citing examples in the Labour Party, PDP, and NNPP.
El-Rufai emphasized that creating a fresh political party avoids complications associated with existing ones, such as internal divisions and influence from the ruling party. However, he also mentioned that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) remains an ideal platform for the opposition coalition due to its history and legacy.
El-Rufai expressed doubts about the possibility of registering a new party under the current INEC leadership.
El-Rufai’s comments reflect his growing dissatisfaction with the APC, which he helped bring to power in 2015. He has been critical of the party’s internal democracy and has expressed regret over his role in bringing President Tinubu to power ¹ ²