2027: Bashir El-Rufai Says ADC Won’t Pick Atiku, Urges Fresh Southern Candidate
Political conversations ahead of the 2027 general elections have taken a new turn after Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, suggested that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is unlikely to field Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate.
Bashir made this known while reacting to a post on X (formerly Twitter), where he shared his perspective on what he believes should be the party’s winning strategy.
“It Won’t Be Atiku” — Bashir Speaks
According to Bashir, Atiku—who has contested for Nigeria’s presidency multiple times—should take a step back from frontline politics and instead assume a more strategic role as a statesman and political godfather.
“It won’t be Atiku. He should be the statesman and godfather of this historic turning point,” Bashir wrote.
His comment suggests a shift in thinking among some political stakeholders who believe that Nigeria’s opposition needs a fresh approach to challenge the ruling establishment in 2027.
Proposed Winning Formula
Bashir outlined what he considers a strong electoral strategy for the ADC:
A popular South-East presidential candidatePaired with a widely accepted Northern running mate
According to him, this regional balance could create a formidable ticket that would be difficult for opponents to defeat at the polls.
Why a Fresh Face Matters
Bashir emphasized that the ADC would need a new and appealing candidate to energize voters and reshape the political landscape. His position aligns with growing public sentiment, especially among younger voters, calling for generational change and new leadership.
Mixed Reactions Online
His remarks have since sparked widespread debate across social media:
Supporters agree that a new candidate could boost the opposition’s chances.
Critics argue that Atiku’s experience and political structure remain valuable assets that cannot be easily dismissed.
What This Means for 2027
While the ADC has yet to officially declare its strategy, Bashir’s comments highlight ongoing behind-the-scenes discussions about zoning and regional balance, the role of political heavyweights like Atiku and the search for a consensus candidate
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the question remains: Will the ADC go with experience—or take a gamble on a new political face?
