Defection Deepens Cracks Within APC As 2027 Political Realignments Intensify
Nigeria’s political landscape recorded another dramatic twist on Thursday after Bello El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, officially dumped the ruling APC for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The shocking defection was announced during plenary at the House of Representatives, where Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read Bello’s resignation letter from the APC. The Kaduna North lawmaker confirmed he would now pursue his political future under the ADC platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The move has immediately triggered fresh conversations about possible cracks within the APC and the growing influence of opposition coalitions positioning themselves ahead of the next presidential race. Political observers say the defection may not be an isolated incident but part of a broader political strategy unfolding quietly across key northern states.
Interestingly, Bello El-Rufai was not alone. Two other lawmakers from Kaduna reportedly joined the ADC, while additional defections involving other parties were also announced during the same plenary session.
The development is already fueling speculation about the political direction of Nasir El-Rufai himself, who has remained one of the most vocal critics within the ruling party in recent months. Many Nigerians now believe the 2027 political battle may begin much earlier than expected.
With opposition parties quietly regrouping and fresh alliances emerging, Thursday’s defection may be remembered as one of the first major political tremors ahead of the next election cycle.