Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai has called on prominent opposition figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Ministers Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Rauf Aregbesola, to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in a unified effort to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Following his own defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the SDP on March 10th, el-Rufai, in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, appealed to opposition leaders to consolidate their forces within the SDP, rather than pursuing a merger or the registration of a new political party.
“My wish and prayers are that Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, and all opposition leaders come and join SDP, not to do a merger or to register a new political party,” el-Rufai stated.
He explained that his support for Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election was rooted in Tinubu’s proven track record as Lagos State Governor, expressing hope that Tinubu would replicate his Lagos achievements on a national scale.
“We know what Tinubu did in Lagos, we are all aware, but we said if he can do the same as he did that makes Lagos great, we said okay, let’s support him,” el-Rufai said.
Addressing speculation about his own presidential ambitions, el-Rufai remained non-committal, stating that the decision ultimately rests with the people. “I don’t know whether I will contest or not, it is the decision of the people. Even when I contested for governorship of Kaduna, it was Buhari who asked me to contest,” he clarified.
Regarding his relationship with his successor, Governor Uba Sani, el-Rufai emphasized his commitment to non-interference. “When I completed my tenure as governor of Kaduna State, I told Uba Sani that I have finished my tenure and I have no business with him. I told him that he can seek advice from me, but don’t come and ask me to nominate a commissioner for you. I am not a godfather,” he asserted.
