El-Rufai’s Coalition Move Is a Smokescreen for Tinubu’s Agenda – APC Chieftain Explodes”

Former APC National Vice Chairman, Hilliard Eta, has claimed that ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, joined the ongoing coalition efforts against President Bola Tinubu out of frustration for not being appointed to a position in the current administration.

According to reports, El-Rufai, along with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is leading talks to form a united front against Tinubu ahead of 2027.

Speaking during an interview on AIT’s Focus Nigeria, Eta dismissed El-Rufai’s relevance in the political space, asserting that others—himself included—played more significant roles in Tinubu’s emergence as President.

He said, “Many of those now opposing the President were once close allies. El-Rufai, for instance, had hoped for a ministerial appointment from Asiwaju. Had he been made a minister, would he be talking about forming a coalition today? Most likely, he would be showcasing his achievements in office.”

Eta continued, “There’s nothing exceptional about El-Rufai. If individuals like myself, who contributed more to Tinubu’s victory, did not get appointments, why should he feel entitled?”

He also mentioned other former allies like Rabiu Kwankwaso and Rauf Aregbesola, describing them as self-serving political actors.

“These people think only of themselves. When they don’t get what they want, they start forming alliances. But they forget Tinubu is a master strategist—he’s been building coalitions since the NADECO days. What they’re doing now is child’s play to him,” Eta added.

He concluded by warning that many politicians are driven by selfish interests rather than national progress: “If the country improves, everyone benefits. It’s not always about personal gain.”