‘Abandon Your 2027 Ambitions’ – APC’s Garba Datti Urges Atiku, El-Rufai to Rethink Political Moves

Garba Datti Muhammad, the National Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has publicly called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to shelve their rumored political ambitions ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

As reported by DAILY POST on Tuesday, April 8, Datti issued an open letter to Atiku, advising him to reconsider his quest for the presidency. A seasoned politician himself with over 16 years of legislative experience representing Sabon Gari Federal Constituency, Datti emphasized that Atiku’s long history of contesting for Nigeria’s top office—dating back to 1993—should come to an end.

“As we approach the 2027 elections, you are once again considering running for president,” Datti wrote. “However, having sensed that your party, the PDP, may not offer you the presidential ticket, you are now contemplating forming a coalition with other discontented politicians to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I sincerely advise you, Alhaji Atiku, for your own good and the good of Nigeria, to let go of the idea of running for president in 2027. By that time, you would have already turned 80 years old. It is better for you to remain the elder statesman you are today, rather than wasting time and resources on another bid for the presidency.”

Datti recommended that Atiku follow the example of former Vice President Namadi Sambo, who stepped away from active politics after leaving office in 2015 and has since remained a respected elder statesman.

Turning his attention to El-Rufai, Datti expressed disappointment over the former governor’s decision to exit the APC, despite being a founding member and serving under its banner for two terms.

“Nasir El-Rufai should consider returning to the APC, where he is a founding member,” Datti stated. “Having worked tirelessly for the party’s success, including serving as governor under its platform for eight years, it is concerning that he chose to part ways with the APC at such a critical juncture.”

Datti’s message comes amid growing speculation about possible political realignments and new coalitions ahead of 2027. His remarks appear to be both a warning and an invitation—urging seasoned politicians to either retire gracefully or return to the party fold to help consolidate APC’s hold on power.