Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) is unlikely to retain power indefinitely, noting that Nigeria does not operate a permanent ruling party system.
El-Rufai made the remarks at the 23rd edition of the Daily Trust Dialogue in Abuja, themed “Nigeria’s Fourth Republic: What Is Working and What Is Not.” He spoke from Brussels, Belgium, where he said he was recovering from an illness and apologised for his absence at the event.
The former governor described Nigeria’s democratic experience as unique in Africa, stressing that political power remains open to competition.
“Nigeria does not have a permanent ruling party, and that is an achievement,” El-Rufai said.
He recalled that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governed the country for 16 years before losing power, adding that the APC will also not rule forever.
“The PDP governed for 16 years. The APC will not govern forever. It is likely that in 2027, the APC will be gone,” he stated.
El-Rufai said this reality sets Nigeria apart from other African countries with dominant party systems.
“Power therefore remains contestable. This distinguishes Nigeria from dominant party systems elsewhere on the continent,” he added.
However, he expressed concern that political competition in the country has yet to yield the desired outcomes in governance.
“Competition has not yet matured into accountability and good governance,” El-Rufai said.
He further criticised political parties in Nigeria, describing them as weak and largely driven by personalities rather than ideology.
“Political parties are personality-driven and transactional,” he said, adding that this remains a major challenge to democratic development in the country.
