Several political associates of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai have returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and pledged their support for Governor Uba Sani ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development represents a significant political realignment in Kaduna State, where divisions between supporters of El-Rufai and the administration of his successor have shaped the state’s political landscape since the 2023 transition of power.
According to a report by Vanguard on Monday, September 14, some prominent figures previously linked to El-Rufai’s political camp have now moved to support Sani and the APC.
Those identified include Bashir Saidu, who served as Chief of Staff to El-Rufai during his administration, and Abdu Kwari, a former Kaduna State commissioner and former senator.
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Also reported to be part of the new alignment is Nasir Abdullahi Maikano, a former chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kaduna State and a three-term member of the state House of Assembly representing Ungwan Sanusi Constituency.
Moukhtar Isa Hazo, a former Deputy Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, was also listed among those joining the political movement in support of Sani.
The development comes at a time when political actors across the country are beginning to strengthen alliances and mobilise supporters ahead of the 2027 elections.
The return of politicians previously associated with El-Rufai could provide additional political strength for Sani as he seeks to consolidate his influence within the APC and across Kaduna State.
Jafaru Ibrahim Sani, a former Kaduna commissioner, confirmed the movement and indicated that the politicians were making the move together.
“It’s true, we are going together with them,” he said, according to Vanguard.
El-Rufai governed Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023 before handing over to Sani, who emerged as the APC candidate and won the governorship election.
However, relations between the former governor and his successor have become increasingly strained, with disagreements extending beyond personal differences into wider political and administrative issues.
The latest development could therefore have implications for the internal balance of power within the APC in Kaduna State.
With political activities expected to intensify as the 2027 elections draw closer, the movement of influential politicians between camps could become an important factor in determining the strength of competing political blocs.
For Governor Sani, The support of former El-Rufai associates could help broaden his political coalition and strengthen his position ahead of the next election cycle.
The development is likely to attract further attention as political parties and their leading figures continue to position themselves for the 2027 contest.
