Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai's recent meetings with opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, have sparked political speculation. Once a key APC figure, his fallout with the Tinubu administration and increasing ties with PDP leaders suggest a potential realignment ahead of 2027. APC dismisses his moves, while PDP remains open.
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has found himself at the center of political controversy amid reports that he is rallying northern leaders ahead of the 2027 elections. His recent meetings with opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have fueled speculation about a possible political realignment.
El-Rufai, once a close ally of President Bola Tinubu, fell out with the administration after failing to secure a ministerial appointment. Although initially nominated by Tinubu, the Senate rejected his candidacy, citing security concerns. Since then, he has openly criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the party of neglecting internal democracy.
His recent activities suggest a shift in allegiance. Last week, he accompanied Atiku on a condolence visit to the family of Niger Delta elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark. During the visit, he praised Atiku’s contributions to Nigeria’s economic policies during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration—an unexpected endorsement considering their past political clashes.
Further intensifying speculation, El-Rufai attended a closed-door meeting with Kaduna State’s opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) executives. He then visited former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, another key northern politician who has reportedly distanced himself from the Tinubu administration.
The APC has dismissed El-Rufai’s recent actions, with the party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, accusing him of promoting ethnic politics out of frustration. Basiru argued that political appointments were not entitlements and criticized El-Rufai for attempting to pit northern politicians against their southern counterparts.
Meanwhile, the PDP has expressed openness to working with El-Rufai, emphasizing that their focus is on rescuing Nigeria from what they describe as APC’s failures. The party’s spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, hinted that El-Rufai’s experiences in both the PDP and APC have given him a clear perspective on governance and party principles.
As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 elections, El-Rufai’s next moves remain uncertain, but his growing ties with opposition figures suggest that the political landscape could witness significant shifts in the coming months.
