Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Saturday made a high-profile appearance in Sokoto State as part of intensified grassroots mobilisation efforts by the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led opposition coalition.
His visit marks a strategic move in the coalition’s campaign to dislodge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
El-Rufai, addressing supporters and stakeholders in Sokoto, didn’t mince words in his criticism of the APC. He described the current administration as “incompetent, clannish and dangerous,” urging citizens to rally behind the coalition and bring an end to what he called the APC’s era of misrule.
According to him, the movement is not driven by individual political ambitions but by a collective patriotic duty to rescue Nigeria. He said, “We cannot continue on this destructive path. This coalition is not about positions or ego—it is a national obligation to reclaim Nigeria’s future.”
The former governor’s remarks received resounding applause from the audience, which included local leaders, youth groups, and former lawmakers.
Senator Abubakar Gada, one of the key figures at the event, said El-Rufai’s visit had re-energized the opposition base in Sokoto, a region considered a traditional APC stronghold. He added that the coalition’s presence in the North-West shows their serious intention to build a truly national platform.
El-Rufai’s stop in Sokoto is just the beginning of a wider political tour aimed at consolidating opposition forces across Nigeria. Since its unveiling in Abuja earlier in July, the ADC-led coalition has gained the support of several political heavyweights, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rauf Aregbesola, and former Senate President David Mark, who serves as interim chairman.
The coalition settled on the ADC after earlier attempts to work under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) or register a new party failed due to internal disputes and procedural delays.
The coalition aims to repeat the model of opposition unity that helped topple the PDP in 2015. El-Rufai told the crowd in Sokoto that the goal is to introduce a “new leadership culture defined by merit, justice, and competence.” He also vowed that no member of the coalition is in the race for selfish reasons. “We are fighting for the soul of Nigeria,” he said.
Critics from the ruling APC have dismissed the ADC alliance as a desperate alliance of political rejects. The Presidency recently warned that the coalition could “drag Nigeria backward” and destabilize democratic gains.
However, analysts say the coalition’s strength lies in its ability to present a credible and united front, especially if it can agree on a strong consensus candidate who can appeal to both northern and southern blocs.
There’s ongoing speculation about who will emerge as the coalition’s flagbearer in 2027. While names like Atiku, Obi, Tambuwal, and even El-Rufai have been floated, no formal announcement has been made.
Some political observers argue that the coalition must present a northern candidate to have a real chance against President Bola Tinubu, who is expected to seek re-election.
In Sokoto, El-Rufai emphasized the importance of grassroots organizing, voter education, and electoral vigilance. He noted that the coalition’s success would depend on the ability to mobilize new voters, overcome voter apathy, and ensure credible elections through robust polling agent deployment.
El-Rufai’s rally in Sokoto sent a clear message: the ADC coalition is not just testing the waters—it is fully diving into the 2027 race.
Whether it can sustain its momentum and deliver on its promise to defeat the APC remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Nigeria’s political landscape is beginning to shift, and the countdown to 2027 has officially begun.
