Amid growing tensions and shifting allegiances within Nigeria’s political landscape, speculation is mounting that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and several prominent figures who formed part of recent opposition coalitions may soon return to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
A political analyst and insider source, speaking under anonymity, revealed that “many of those who appear to have distanced themselves from the APC are merely buying time and exploring options, but ultimately, they’ll return to the fold — especially ahead of the 2027 elections.”
The prediction comes after weeks of political maneuvering, with several key figures within the opposition ranks rumored to be re-evaluating their alliances amid dissatisfaction with internal power dynamics, unfulfilled promises, and the search for political relevance.
El-Rufai, who has remained relatively quiet since the end of his gubernatorial tenure, has been the subject of numerous speculations. Though absent from the Bola Tinubu administration’s cabinet after the Senate withheld his ministerial confirmation, he continues to wield influence behind the scenes.
Sources close to him suggest that El-Rufai is playing a strategic game. “He is watching the terrain, but his core political base is still within the APC. There is a strong belief he will return, possibly to play a significant national role in the run-up to 2027,” a source familiar with his political circle said.
Rotimi Amaechi, who contested for the APC presidential ticket in 2022 and lost to President Bola Tinubu, has since maintained a low profile. However, political watchers believe his estrangement is temporary.
“Amaechi has deep structures in Rivers State and a strong national network. Even though he has kept his distance from Tinubu’s administration, returning to APC is the most logical move if he wants to remain politically relevant,” the analyst noted.
The broader coalition of disgruntled political heavyweights — some of whom backed alternative platforms like the PDP or Labour Party during the 2023 elections — is now facing internal disagreements, lack of cohesion, and limited electoral success. With the APC consolidating power, many see a return to the ruling party as the most pragmatic option.
A former senator who was part of the coalition revealed anonymously: “The truth is, no other platform offers the national structure and leverage of the APC right now. If you want to win elections or protect your interests, returning to the APC becomes inevitable.”
Sources within the APC say the party is not averse to welcoming back old members, especially those with strong grassroots influence and electoral value.
“The APC is a big umbrella. We are ready to reconcile and reintegrate anyone willing to work for the party’s growth and national development,” an APC chieftain stated.
As Nigeria’s political clock ticks closer to the 2027 general elections, it appears the tides may turn once again in favor of the APC, with former stalwarts like El-Rufai, Amaechi, and others poised to make a comeback.
Whether these returns will reshape the party’s internal dynamics or ignite new power struggles remains to be seen — but what’s clear is that the next political cycle is already taking shape, and the APC remains at the center of it.
