In a stunning turn of events that’s shaking Nigeria’s political landscape, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has openly declared that he has no interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election. Instead, he says his only focus is ensuring that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is voted out of office.
According to a NewsVista reporter who followed the interview aired on Arise News, El-Rufai did not hold back in criticizing the current administration. He called Tinubu’s government a “tragedy” and “evil” that must not be allowed to continue.
“We have polled it. There is 91% disapproval of this administration across the country,” El-Rufai stated during the interview. “91% disapproval is the worst in Nigeria’s history.”
This bold admission comes as a shock to many, especially considering El-Rufai’s deep political roots in the All Progressives Congress (APC)—the very party that brought Tinubu to power. Reflecting on his past support, El-Rufai expressed deep regret and said he now feels a moral obligation to help undo what he once helped build.
“I just feel that having contributed to bringing about this tragedy to Nigeria by contributing to the emergence of Tinubu as president, I should contribute in my last lap… towards removing this evil that I believe will destroy Nigeria if left unchecked,” he said.
When asked if he would align with major political figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, or Rotimi Amaechi, El-Rufai said personal ambition isn’t on his radar.
“You’ve mentioned my name. I have no ambition,” he declared firmly. “I want to see people coming together, putting aside their differences and ambitions, and giving Nigerians an alternative to this failure of a government.”
He went on to say that he is open to supporting any political platform that emerges through broad consensus—so long as it is committed to removing the current administration and restoring Nigeria’s direction.
This explosive interview has already sparked heated discussions across the political space, with insiders describing it as a “declaration of war” from within the APC’s own ranks. As the countdown to 2027 begins, one thing is clear: El-Rufai is no longer playing from the sidelines.
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