Kwankwaso Labels Atiku, El-Rufai as Self-Centered and Politically Irrelevant Ahead of 2027 Elections

 

In a fiery statement that has set the Nigerian political scene abuzz, Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Director of Finance at the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, has launched a scathing critique of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Speaking to journalists in Kano on March 22, 2025, as reported by Gists9ja, Kwankwaso dismissed the duo as self-serving politicians whose influence has waned, asserting they lack the clout to shape the nation’s political future ahead of the 2027 elections. He also took aim at Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), accusing him of similar self-interest, further intensifying the rhetoric surrounding Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

A Damning Assessment of Political Heavyweights

Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso pulled no punches in his evaluation of Atiku and El-Rufai, branding them as figures whose political relevance has evaporated. “Atiku, El-Rufai, and Rabiu Kwankwaso are self-centered politicians with no real political influence,” he declared, framing their recent maneuvers as desperate bids to cling to power rather than genuine efforts to serve the public. His comments come at a time when opposition figures are reportedly coalescing to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the next election cycle, making Kwankwaso’s remarks a bold counter-narrative to their ambitions.

On Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in 2023, Illiyasu questioned his leadership credentials and control over the party. “The PDP is in perpetual crisis, and Atiku does not command its direction,” he argued. He pointed to the party’s internal strife as evidence of Atiku’s diminished stature, suggesting that his inability to unify the PDP undermines his claim to national leadership. Illiyasu also cast doubt on Atiku’s governance record, noting that many of his allies supported the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, which he described as a period marked by “maladministration, insecurity, and human rights violations.”

Turning to Nasir El-Rufai, the former Kaduna governor who recently defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Illiyasu was equally dismissive. “El-Rufai is nothing but a political nomad, jumping from pillar to post,” he said, ridiculing El-Rufai’s shift to the SDP as a move to a “dead-on-arrival” platform. He argued that El-Rufai’s lack of a stable political base renders him ineffective, despite his high-profile tenure as governor and his vocal critiques of the current APC-led government.

Rabiu Kwankwaso Under Fire

Illiyasu reserved some of his harshest words for Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the NNPP leader and a towering figure in Kano politics. “What has he got to offer? He hides behind the success of others to remain relevant,” he charged, accusing the former Kano governor of exploiting his protégé, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, for personal gain. Illiyasu alleged that Rabiu Kwankwaso’s frequent visits to President Tinubu’s administration are motivated by self-enrichment rather than public service. “It’s well known that he aligns himself with people in power to enrich himself,” he claimed, urging Kwankwaso’s supporters to see through his tactics.

He further highlighted Rabiu Kwankwaso’s legal and political setbacks, noting that a court ruling in favor of an NNPP faction with the ‘fruits’ logo has stripped him of control over the party. “Where does he stand politically?” Illiyasu asked rhetorically, suggesting that the trio of Atiku, El-Rufai, and Rabiu Kwankwaso lack viable platforms to mount a credible challenge in 2027.

A Defense of Tinubu and a Call for Focus

Amid his critique, Illiyasu staunchly defended President Tinubu, urging Atiku and his allies to allow the administration to concentrate on governance. “Tinubu has taken on the thorny journey of fixing Nigeria, and success is within reach,” he asserted, framing the president’s reforms as a necessary, if challenging, path forward. He also expressed support for the recent state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it a “saving grace” for democracy—a stance that aligns with the APC’s narrative but contrasts sharply with opposition outcry over the move.

Illiyasu’s remarks position him as a vocal advocate for the APC’s continued dominance, dismissing the opposition’s coalition efforts as fragmented and ineffective. “Their coalition lacks the capacity to make any meaningful impact,” he said, predicting that the trio’s personal ambitions will ultimately derail their collective aspirations.

Political Context and Implications

The timing of Illiyasu’s statements—March 23, 2025—coincides with heightened political maneuvering in Nigeria. The Rivers State crisis, marked by Tinubu’s emergency declaration and the suspension of Governor Fubara, has galvanized opposition figures like Atiku, who recently announced a coalition to unseat the APC in 2027. El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP and his meetings with opposition leaders, including Rabiu Kwankwaso, have fueled speculation of a northern-led push against Tinubu. Meanwhile, Rabiu Kwankwaso’s influence in Kano remains a wildcard, despite his party’s internal divisions.

Illiyasu’s critique taps into these dynamics, aiming to discredit the opposition’s momentum. By labeling Atiku, El-Rufai, and Rabiu Kwankwaso as self-centered and irrelevant, he seeks to bolster the APC’s narrative of stability and progress under Tinubu. However, his familial connection to Rabiu Kwankwaso—though not explicitly detailed—adds a layer of intrigue, hinting at possible personal or political rivalries within Kano’s influential Kwankwasiyya movement.

What Lies Ahead

As Nigeria edges closer to 2027, Illiyasu’s remarks are likely to intensify the war of words between the APC and its detractors. The opposition’s ability to unite under a cohesive banner remains uncertain, with ideological differences and personal egos posing significant hurdles. For now, Illiyasu’s salvo serves as both a warning shot and a rallying cry for APC loyalists, framing the contest as a battle between a focused administration and a fractured opposition.

For the full story, check out the original Gists9ja report from March 22, 2025. What do you make of Kwankwaso’s bold claims? Share your thoughts below as Nigeria’s political drama continues to unfold!