"We'll Register A Backup Party": El-Rufai Unveils Strategic Move to Secure Opposition's Future Amid Fears of APC Sabotage

 

Nasir El-Rufai, a prominent figure in Nigeria's political landscape and influential chieftain of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has announced the opposition coalition's intention to register a new political party. This move is part of a broader contingency plan aimed at safeguarding their political platform amid rising concerns over interference from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking during a Wednesday night interview with Radio France International (RFI) Hausa Service, El-Rufai explained the rationale behind the decision. According to him, the new party would serve as a backup mechanism for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which was recently adopted as the official platform for the coalition of opposition forces.

The former Kaduna State governor voiced serious apprehensions over what he perceives as a looming threat of sabotage. He warned that the APC might attempt to destabilize the ADC by sowing discord among its longstanding members and recently absorbed leadership. El-Rufai noted that the ruling party has a history of employing divide-and-rule tactics, often leveraging state institutions to achieve its political aims.

Concerns have been growing within opposition ranks following reports of political harassment. El-Rufai stated that individuals and groups that refuse to align with the APC frequently find themselves under the scrutiny of federal investigative bodies. Institutions such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) are often used, he alleged, to intimidate dissenters.

He further revealed that while the ADC currently functions as a unifying structure for the opposition bloc, it is by no means a permanent arrangement. “The opposition parties’ alliance in the ADC is temporary,” El-Rufai remarked. “We may register a new party as a second option, which we will move to should the ADC be instigated into crisis by the government.”

That remark has triggered fresh discussions within political circles and among civil society observers who see the development as a strategic chess move by the opposition. Rather than waiting for internal cracks to emerge, the coalition is proactively building a lifeboat in the form of a new political entity, should their current vessel be compromised.

By floating this alternative, the opposition appears to be positioning itself to avoid being blindsided by political gamesmanship. El-Rufai’s statement is being interpreted as a warning to both supporters and detractors alike that the coalition intends to stay resilient and agile, regardless of what obstacles may be thrown in its path.

The new political party, details of which are yet to be publicly unveiled, is expected to maintain the ideological framework of the opposition coalition. It will likely house elements from various opposition camps, including SDP, Labour Party, and other fringe parties that have voiced dissatisfaction with the current political order.

This emerging opposition strategy marks a turning point for Nigeria’s political climate as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections. Many political analysts view El-Rufai’s latest declaration as an attempt to outmaneuver the APC, which continues to dominate the national political scene despite growing discontent in some quarters.

By taking preemptive action, the opposition coalition may be setting a precedent for how political battles will be fought in the years ahead. With increased political polarization and allegations of institutional misuse on the rise, safeguarding political platforms has become a top priority for those seeking change.

Observers believe that the realignment efforts led by El-Rufai could reshape Nigeria’s multi-party system, especially if the coalition successfully launches and sustains a new party capable of rallying public support. However, the road ahead is likely to be fraught with legal, institutional, and financial hurdles.

Nonetheless, El-Rufai remains confident that opposition forces are better prepared this time. He emphasized that their strategy is rooted in experience, resilience, and a shared commitment to democratic values.

As political tides continue to shift and alliances are tested, the coming months will reveal whether this backup plan can evolve into a formidable political alternative or simply remain a safety valve in a turbulent political environment. One thing is certain – the opposition is no longer willing to leave its future to chance.