In a dramatic shift ahead of the 2027 elections, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has urged opposition heavyweights Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rauf Aregbesola to join forces under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to challenge President Bola Tinubu.
El-Rufai’s call comes just days after his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on March 10, citing a fundamental misalignment with the ruling party.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, he dismissed the idea of mergers or new party formations, insisting that a unified opposition under SDP is the best path forward.
Meanwhile, the Presidency remains unfazed, with Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications emphasizing that the president is focused on economic reforms, touting rising foreign reserves, reduced inflation, and a growing trade surplus.
However, El-Rufai’s criticism of the Tinubu administration was blunt.
He admitted that he backed Tinubu in 2023 due to the president’s performance in Lagos but now feels let down. As speculation about his own presidential ambition grows, El-Rufai stated that any 2027 bid would depend on the will of the people and the direction of his new party.
With El-Rufai’s defection and push for a consolidated opposition, Nigeria’s 2027 political landscape is set for a major shake-up.
