2027: You can’t deceive Nigerians again” — Group slams Atiku, El-Rufai over coalition

The Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI) has strongly criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, accusing them of attempting to mislead Nigerians with their recent political maneuvers.

In a statement released on Sunday, March 23, 2025, by its Director of Strategic Communication, Dr. AbdulRazak Ahmed, the group condemned the duo’s recent activities, alleging that they contributed to Nigeria’s governance failures and are now seeking to reposition themselves as saviors.

DWI highlighted that since 1999, Atiku and El-Rufai have played significant roles in shaping Nigeria’s governance but have left behind a legacy of controversial decisions. The group pointed to policies such as fuel subsidy mismanagement, which they claim worsened economic hardship for Nigerians.

“They benefited from subsidies during their time in power, only to later advocate for their removal, leading to increased hardship for ordinary Nigerians,” the statement read.

DWI also accused them of facilitating the looting of national resources and remaining silent during periods of intense insecurity that led to widespread violence and displacement in many communities.

Doubts Over Their Coalition’s Credibility

Atiku, who is expected to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election, has reportedly assembled a political coalition, which includes Nasir El-Rufai and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.

However, DWI dismissed this alliance, describing it as a desperate attempt by “disgruntled and irrelevant” politicians trying to regain relevance.

“This coalition is nothing more than a gathering of political has-beens who have overstayed their welcome in Nigeria’s political space,” DWI stated.

The group warned Nigerians not to be deceived by their sudden opposition to the APC government, emphasizing that they were instrumental in the formation of the same ruling party.

DWI also took a swipe at Atiku and his allies for condemning the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The group accused them of hypocrisy, stating that they had previously thrived under similar political conditions but are now pretending to be champions of democracy.

“It is both shameless and embarrassing for leaders like Atiku and El-Rufai, who once benefited from the system they now criticize, to present themselves as defenders of democracy,” the statement read.

The group urged Nigerians to reject the political antics of Atiku, El-Rufai, and their associates, insisting that their history is filled with contradictions and failed promises.

“The time for these outdated leaders has passed. Their coalition is a desperate grasp for power that will ultimately lead to a dead end,” DWI declared.

The organization called on Nigerians to demand fresh leadership with genuine commitment to democracy, accountability, and national progress, adding that “the era of Atiku Abubakar and his band of political relics is over.”