A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former member of the House of Representatives, Israel Sunny-Goli, has dismissed former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s call for an alliance between the North and South as unnecessary and politically motivated.
El-Rufai made the remarks during a condolence visit to the family of the late Chief Edwin Clark, where he stated that Nigeria was facing an “existential threat” and that the Niger Delta region was the “glue” holding the country together.
He called for an alliance of “people of goodwill” to ensure the country’s survival and good leadership.
However, in a statement released on Tuesday in Yenagoa, Sunny-Goli described El-Rufai’s call as unwarranted, particularly as it was based on the premise of rescuing the nation.
He emphasised that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria was on the right track and needed no such political intervention.
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“The call for an alliance between the Northern and South-South regions is, frankly, unwarranted,” Sunny-Goli said.
“This administration is actively addressing the economic and security challenges it inherited from the previous government, and we are seeing tangible progress.”
He further stressed that Nigeria’s focus should now be on supporting President Tinubu’s policies aimed at repositioning the country for long-term prosperity and peace.
“We are making progress through bold policy measures,” Sunny-Goli continued.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces are intensifying efforts against insurgents and working to restore peace and stability.”
The former lawmaker also took issue with the timing and context of El-Rufai’s remarks, particularly during a condolence visit that should have been focused on sympathising with the Clark family.
He advised El-Rufai to defer any political ambitions until 2031, suggesting that the timing of his comments was politically motivated.
“It is important to note that the South-South region is well represented in President Tinubu’s administration,” he added.
“For example, Chief Nyesom Wike is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, a position held by a Southerner for the first time since 1976. There are also other key figures from the region in important roles, including Godswill Akpabio as Senate President and Heineken Lokpobiri as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.”
Sunny-Goli concluded by stating that the South-South region was receiving significant representation and support under President Tinubu, making El-Rufai’s proposed alliance unnecessary at this time.
“We fully support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, and perhaps in 2031, we can discuss an alliance,” he said.
“For now, we stand behind the President and the work he is doing for the nation.”
