Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has ruled out the possibility of a political merger and instead called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Rauf Aregbesola and other opposition figures to align with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the 2027 elections.
El-Rufai’s appeal comes shortly after he resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing irreconcilable differences with the party’s current direction.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, he urged opposition leaders to unite under SDP to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the next general election.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has downplayed concerns over the 2027 elections, insisting that Tinubu’s priority remains economic recovery and national development.
A statement shared on X by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, emphasised that the President is focused on delivering reforms rather than engaging in political manoeuvring.
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The Presidency highlighted improvements in key economic indicators, including rising foreign reserves, declining inflation, increased trade surplus, and new investments exceeding $50 billion.
However, El-Rufai remains unconvinced by Tinubu’s administration’s performance.
During his BBC interview, he reiterated his belief that the opposition must rally around the SDP to mount a formidable challenge in 2027.
“My hope and prayer are that Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, and other opposition leaders will join SDP—not to form a merger or create a new party, but to build a strong alternative,” he stated.
Reflecting on his past support for Tinubu, El-Rufai admitted disappointment in the administration’s performance.
“We supported this government with the hope that Tinubu would replicate his achievements in Lagos at the national level. Despite knowing his controversies in Chicago, we believed he could deliver. Unfortunately, he has failed,” he said.
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On his potential presidential ambition in 2027, El-Rufai remained noncommittal, stating that the decision would be left to the party and the people.
“It is not my decision to make. It is up to the party and the electorate. Even when I ran for governor, it was people who approached and convinced (Muhammadu) Buhari, who then urged me to contest,” he explained.
