Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has declared that the ruling All Progressives Congress will not retain power indefinitely, predicting the party may exit government after the 2027 general elections.

El-Rufai made this assertion while reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic evolution, arguing that the country’s ability to unseat incumbent parties distinguishes it from dominant-party systems across Africa.

The former governor emphasized that Nigeria has no permanent ruling party, citing this as a significant achievement compared to nations like Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Benin, and Togo where single parties have maintained decades-long control.

He recalled that the Peoples Democratic Party governed for 16 consecutive years before losing to the APC in 2015, stressing that similar political dynamics could reshape the 2027 electoral landscape.

“Nigeria does not have a permanent ruling party. That is an achievement compared to countries like Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and even our neighbours, Benin and Togo. The PDP ruled for 16 years. The APC will not govern forever. It is likely that in 2027, the APC will be gone,” El-Rufai stated.

He described Nigeria’s competitive political environment as proof that power remains contestable, which he identified as a fundamental strength of the country’s democratic system despite ongoing challenges.

However, the former governor warned that political competition has not translated into accountability or improved governance, noting that elite circulation has progressed faster than institutional development across the political landscape.

El-Rufai argued that Nigerian political parties remain structurally weak, functioning primarily as personality-driven and transactional vehicles rather than ideology-based organizations with strong internal frameworks.

Despite periodic economic progress, he acknowledged that Nigeria’s political institutions still lack the maturity needed to convert democratic competition into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.

The remarks have triggered intense debate within political circles as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, particularly regarding the durability of the APC’s hold on power and the maturity of the country’s democratic structures

El-Rufai, who previously served as a prominent campaigner for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 elections, has since become one of the most vocal critics of the current administration after leaving the APC.

The former governor has joined forces with other opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, under the African Democratic Congress coalition aimed at challenging the ruling party in 2027.

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has formally resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party, leading a mass exodus of 73 elected officials in what represents one of the most significant political realignments in northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections.

The governor announced his resignation in a letter addressed to the NNPP Chairman of Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Gwale Local Government Area, with the decision-making effect from January 25, 2026.

In the resignation letter released on Friday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf cited deepening internal crises, persistent leadership disputes and ongoing legal battles that have destabilized the party at both state and national levels.

“I write with a deep sense of gratitude to formally notify the leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party of my decision to resign my membership of the party,” Yusuf stated, while expressing appreciation for the political platform and support extended to him since joining in 2022.

The mass defection includes 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and all 44 local government chairmen across the state, signaling a near-total collapse of NNPP structures in Kano.

The governor emphasized that his decision was taken in good faith and without bitterness, adding that it was necessary to safeguard the broader interests of Kano State and its people. He reaffirmed his commitment to peace, unity, and the development of the state.

The NNPP Secretary of Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Kabiru Zubairu, acknowledged receipt of the resignation letter and commended Yusuf’s performance while in office, describing him as one of the party’s most outstanding governors. Zubairu conceded that while the party had tried to contain the lingering crisis, they had no option but to accept the resignation.

Governor Yusuf’s resignation comes after weeks of speculation about his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress following a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa. The move is expected to significantly alter the political landscape in Kano State, where party loyalties have long been fiercely contested.

The NNPP has been embroiled in internal wrangling, including a contentious change of the party logo that sparked legal battles and deepened fragmentation. The crisis has pitted Governor Yusuf against his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who is reportedly exploring alternative political alliances ahead of 2027.

Reports suggest that Governor Yusuf’s defection to the APC has been delayed by negotiations over an automatic gubernatorial ticket for 2027, a demand that has put him at odds with powerful APC figures in Kano, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who is widely believed to harbour his own gubernatorial ambitions.

President Tinubu has reportedly accepted Governor Yusuf into the APC, with the formal defection ceremony expected to take place in the coming days. The development marks another major gain for the ruling party, which has witnessed a surge in defections from opposition parties since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Nasarawa State has suspended its State Chairman, Godwin Alaku Williams, over alleged involvement in anti-party activities.
The suspension was approved by the party’s Transitional Leadership Team (TLT) following a petition accusing Williams of actions deemed harmful to the unity and progress of the party in the state.
The decision was taken at a TLT meeting held on Wednesday at Otunsha Hotel, Keffi, and presided over by the party leader, Chief John Michael Abdul.
In a statement issued by the party’s spokesperson, Comrade Idris Ojoko, the suspension will last for 14 days, pending investigation and the outcome of proceedings by a disciplinary committee constituted by the TLT.
Ojoko also announced the appointment of Barrister Paul Magaji Ajeh, formerly the State Secretary, as Acting State Chairman, while Umar A. Babayaro has been named Acting Secretary.
According to the statement, the allegations against Williams include his alleged refusal to recognise the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) led by Senator David Mark, and his failure to integrate coalition members into the ADC party structure in Nasarawa State.
Other accusations include allegedly reporting some party leaders to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police, describing them as impostors.
Williams is also accused of constituting parallel party organs at various levels within the state, interfering with the establishment of party offices at the state, local government, and ward levels contrary to NWC directives, and disrupting the ongoing membership registration and revalidation exercise.
Meanwhile, Ojoko announced the formation of a disciplinary committee chaired by Barrister Hassan Yakubu. Other members include Amina Zanwa, Mamman Sunday, and Yunus Abdullahi Sidi, with Gaza Mark Auta serving as Secretary.