KADUNA: Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has ruled out the possibility of a future political merger and has instead urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and other opposition figures to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
El-Rufai’s call follows his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on March 10, citing a divergence in values with the ruling party.
In a recent interview with BBC Hausa, he encouraged opposition leaders to unite under the SDP to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has stated that Tinubu is currently focused on improving Nigeria’s economic conditions rather than the next election.
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In a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, emphasized:
“President Tinubu is not worried about the next election. His priority is ensuring shared prosperity for Nigerians. His focus is on the impact of his economic reforms. We have seen improvements in foreign reserves, a drop in inflation, a trade surplus, and an increase in investments exceeding $50 billion. Prices are also beginning to decline. The President is committed to staying the course of his decisions, with the aim of transforming Nigeria’s economy by the end of his first term.”
However, during his interview, El-Rufai urged political figures like Atiku, Obi, and Rauf Aregbesola to align with the SDP ahead of 2027.
“My hope and prayer are for Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, and all opposition leaders to join the SDP—not to form a merger or register a new party, but to build a strong alliance,” he stated.
El-Rufai also expressed disappointment in Tinubu’s administration, saying:
“What pains me is that we had confidence in this government. We believed Tinubu would perform well, considering his track record in Lagos despite his challenges. We knew about the Chicago issue, but we thought if he could replicate his success in Lagos nationwide, we should support him. However, he has failed.”
Regarding his potential candidacy in 2027, El-Rufai clarified that his political future would be determined by the party and the electorate.
“It is not for me to decide. The party and the people will determine that. Even when I contested for governor, it was Buhari and others who urged me to run,” he said.
