Says 2015 tactics won’t work in 2027
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Musa Ilyasu Kwankwaso, has accused former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai of trying to undermine President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections through “blackmail and lies.”
In a strongly worded statement issued Tuesday in Kano, Kwankwaso claimed El-Rufai was attempting to recreate the same playbook used against Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 — using national challenges like poverty and insecurity to build opposition momentum.
“You can’t use the same 2015 script. Nigerians aren’t falling for it,” he said.
“Tinubu is making real progress”
Kwankwaso defended Tinubu’s presidency, citing improvements in security and efforts to stabilize the economy. He praised NSA Nuhu Ribadu for leading progress in fighting banditry, particularly in areas like Birnin Gwari, Sokoto, and Borno.
He claimed El-Rufai was unhappy with these gains and accused him of trying to pit the northern region against the president.
“Northerners are not stupid. They can see the results,” he added.
Challenges El-Rufai to provide evidence
Reacting to unverified claims that the Tinubu government was sponsoring banditry, Kwankwaso demanded evidence.
“If you have proof, show it. If not, stop fueling public confusion,” he warned.
He also dismissed a reported coalition between El-Rufai and other political figures such as Atiku Abubakar and Rabiu Kwankwaso, calling it “a failure” that offers no better alternative for Nigerians.
Calls for continued public support
Kwankwaso urged Nigerians to stay focused and support the Tinubu administration, rejecting what he called “toxic opposition politics.”
“Let’s move forward. Enough of the old tactics and blackmail,” he concluded.
