2027: El-Rufai’s Son Sets Tough Condition for Dumping APC to ADC
Bello El-Rufai, a federal lawmaker and son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has spoken on the growing talk around his possible exit from the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
His comments come as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is increasingly mentioned in political discussions linked to realignments before the next general polls.
The lawmaker addressed the issue after a social media user urged him to dump the APC for the ADC. He responded firmly and made it clear that he was not under pressure from online opinions.
Bello pointed to his electoral victory in Kaduna North to explain his position. He reminded critics of the mandate he received from voters, stressing that his loyalty is first to the people who elected him.
Referring to his win, he wrote: “Bello El-Rufai wins Kaduna North rep seats with 51,052 to defeat the PDP candidate, Samaila who polled 34,808 votes. El-Rufai’s son sets a record by being the first candidate to win all 12 wards in Kaduna North.”
He said that mandate belongs to the 51,052 voters and not to social media commentators.
Bello then stated the only condition that would make him leave the APC. According to him, such a decision would only happen if directed by his father, whom he repeatedly called “Mallam.”
“If Mallam asks me to leave the APC, I’ll resign the seat tonight. I can be non-partisan. My people adore me!”
He went further to challenge the social media user directly, adding: “I’ll send 10 million to you tonight if you can convince the 51,052 people that gave me this mandate. Do you have an app to confirm?”
Despite reaffirming his respect for his father, Bello also stressed his loyalty to the current Kaduna State government led by Uba Sani. He described the governor as his “boss” and ruled out any form of disloyalty.
He disclosed that after recently appearing at a public event with his father, he went straight to attend a Kaduna APC caucus meeting with the Speaker and the governor. He said the move was deliberate and symbolic.
Bello also highlighted the opportunities he has enjoyed within the APC. He said the party enabled him to work with senior public office holders, including the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso.
Speaking on political ethics, he declared: “I will never publicly go against Governor and I will not plan his demise. It is called honour.”
His remarks come amid continued speculation over the political direction of Nasir El-Rufai. The former governor, a founding member of the APC, played key roles in the party’s 2015 and 2023 victories.
In recent months, he has been linked to consultations with opposition figures and discussions around coalition politics ahead of 2027. The ADC has featured prominently in those conversations, though no official defection has been announced.
Bello’s position appears clear. While he holds his father in high regard, he insists that his mandate is rooted in the will of Kaduna North voters and his loyalty to the current state leadership remains intact.
He ended by asserting his pride in his lineage and defending his father strongly. “The greatest honour is being Mallam’s son. And I dare anyone to try to call him out.”
