- Bashir El-Rufai stated ADC would not choose Atiku Abubakar as its 2027 presidential candidate
- He suggested Atiku should act as a statesman and political godfather during a pivotal moment in Nigeria
- Bashir proposed a South-East/North ticket strategy to boost the party’s national appeal and competitiveness
Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, has suggested that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will not field former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate in the 2027 general election.
Bashir made the remarks on Thursday in a post on X, reacting to a comment by user @Osi_Sauve, who had written: “If your presidential candidate is Atiku then you will woefully lose. Just stating the obvious.”
Responding, Bashir argued that Atiku should instead take on the role of a statesman and political godfather during what he described as a pivotal period in Nigeria’s history.
“It won’t be Atiku. I believe Atiku should be the statesman and the Godfather of this historic changing precipice of our nation,” he wrote.
He further suggested a strategic approach for the ADC’s ticket, emphasising regional balance to maximise electoral appeal. According to him, the party would benefit from fielding a popular candidate from the South-East, paired with a strong and widely accepted figure from the North, creating a combination that would be difficult for opponents to overcome.
“They are easily defeated by my calculus with that strategy,” Bashir stated.
His comments underscore ongoing discussions within Nigerian political circles about regional considerations, zoning arrangements, and strategic alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.
Bashir’s remarks also highlight the influential role Atiku could play in guiding emerging political forces, even if he does not contest for the presidency personally. By positioning Atiku as a political godfather, the ADC could leverage his experience and network while presenting a fresh presidential candidate with broad national appeal.
The ADC has yet to officially announce its 2027 presidential candidate, and political observers note that the party’s decisions in the coming months will be closely watched, particularly regarding regional balance and strategic ticket composition.
Bashir El-Rufai’s intervention adds to the speculation about the party’s internal calculations, signalling that the ADC is considering a formula aimed at maximising its competitiveness across Nigeria’s diverse political landscape.