Former Kaduna State governor and prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasir El-Rufai, has recently made headlines following his visit to ex-military Head of State, Yakubu Gowon.
This visit comes shortly after El-Rufai’s second meeting with leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), sparking widespread speculation about his political intentions.
El-Rufai, known for his influential role in the emergence of President Bola Tinubu as the APC’s presidential candidate in 2023, has been a vocal advocate for power shifting to the west after President Muhammadu Buhari’s two terms in office.
However, his ministerial nomination was rejected by the National Assembly due to security concerns, leading to a period of silence from the former governor.
In recent developments, a viral video surfaced showing El-Rufai in discussions with SDP leaders, igniting discussions, especially on social media platforms. Despite the attention, El-Rufai remained unfazed, reportedly stating, “I don’t care.”
Further adding to the speculation, El-Rufai participated in another meeting at the Abuja residence of Senator Abubakar Gada, where he was joined by SDP chairman Shehu Musa Gabam and other prominent party members. Sources suggest that these engagements aim to solidify El-Rufai’s political alliances in preparation for the upcoming 2027 general elections.
The series of interactions between El-Rufai and SDP leaders have raised questions about his potential defection to the party and his rumored ambition to contest for the presidency in 2027. While El-Rufai has not confirmed these speculations, his recent engagements hint at a strategic move to explore new political avenues.
El-Rufai’s political maneuvers have sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians, with some expressing support for his potential candidacy while others remain skeptical about his intentions. The former governor’s visit to Yakubu Gowon, a revered figure in Nigeria’s political history, adds another layer of intrigue to the unfolding saga.
Observers note that El-Rufai’s alignment with the SDP, if confirmed, could significantly impact the country’s political landscape, potentially reshaping alliances and power dynamics. With the 2027 elections on the horizon, political realignments and maneuvering are expected to intensify as aspirants position themselves for leadership roles.