Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has boldly declared that President Bola Tinubu has no chance of winning a second term in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, El-Rufai expressed confidence that growing discontent among Nigerians with both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would prevent Tinubu’s re-election, regardless of opposition dynamics.
“Anyone who believes President Bola Tinubu can be re-elected is living in another country—not Nigeria,” El-Rufai said. “I see no pathway for his return to power, no matter how disorganised the opposition is. Nigerians will be the ones voting, not governors.”
Reflecting on his tenure as Kaduna governor, El-Rufai recalled how the APC lost the presidential vote in his state despite being in power, highlighting the electorate’s determination and independence.
He accused recent defectors to the APC of having ulterior motives, asserting that many are either seeking political appointments, contracts, or trying to escape scrutiny from anti-corruption agencies.
“It is the greedy and the hungry, those seeking contracts and positions, that are defecting. Others are doing so to avoid the EFCC or ICPC because of what they’ve done in the past. They know corruption agencies can be weaponised against them.”
On the emerging political coalition aimed at challenging the dominance of the APC and PDP, El-Rufai stressed that talks are ongoing and fluid. While no decisions have been finalized, he described the coalition’s mission as a national rescue effort.
“The goal is to put Nigeria back on track. We’re working towards a unified platform that can uplift the poor while creating more opportunities for the rich. It’s still a work in progress, but nothing is off the table,” he said.
A key figure in the Social Democratic Party (SDP), El-Rufai also made it clear that he harbors no personal political ambition, emphasizing his spiritual philosophy against actively seeking leadership roles.
“I’ve never had political ambition. Even when I ran for governor, it was at the insistence of General Buhari. In my tradition and religion, seeking leadership for oneself is discouraged. Leadership should be a divine calling, not a personal pursuit.”
He concluded by reiterating his desire to see a functioning Nigeria where anyone can thrive without holding public office.
“I just want a country that works. I don’t need to be in office to do well. I believe in hard work and integrity, and that’s enough for me.”
