Bashir El-Rufai says Atiku unlikely to fly ADC flag in 2027, advocates South-East candidate

Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has expressed confidence 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 via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account while reacting to a comment by a social media user, @Osi_Sauve, who suggested that the ADC would suffer a heavy defeat if Atiku emerged as its flagbearer.

The user had posted: “If your presidential candidate is Atiku then you will woefully lose. Just stating the obvious.”

Responding to the comment, Bashir dismissed the likelihood of Atiku contesting on the ADC platform in 2027.

“It won’t be Atiku. I believe Atiku should be the statesman and the godfather at this historic turning point in our nation,” Bashir wrote.

He argued that Nigeria is currently at a critical stage in its political evolution and requires strategic leadership decisions that reflect generational transition and national balance.

According to him, the ADC would stand a stronger chance in the 2027 elections if it fields a widely accepted and popular candidate from the South-East region, paired with a formidable and influential running mate from the North.

Bashir said such a North-South ticket would create political balance and broaden the party’s appeal across the country’s diverse electorate.

READ ALSO: No VP talks, no deals — Atiku camp counters Fayose-linked claims

“They are easily defeated by my calculus with that strategy,” he added, suggesting that his political assessment shows the proposed arrangement would give the ADC a competitive edge over rival parties.

His comments come amid intensifying political conversations and early alignments ahead of the 2027 general election.

While the ADC has yet to formally announce any presidential aspirants, discussions around zoning, generational leadership and coalition-building have increasingly shaped public debate within opposition circles.

Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president and perennial presidential contender, remains a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political landscape. However, Bashir’s remarks signal ongoing debates within political stakeholders about the direction and strategy opposition parties may adopt as preparations for 2027 gradually gather momentum.