2027 POLITICS: El-Rufai's Call for North-South-South Alliance Sparks Controversy
Afnews Editor
Feb 23, 2025
Former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai has declared that Nigeria is in dire need of saving, urging a political alliance between the North and South-South. His statement, made during a condolence visit to the family of late elder statesman Edwin Clark, has fueled speculations about his next political move. With increasing distance from the APC and a series of meetings with opposition figures, El-Rufai's latest remarks add to growing uncertainty over Nigeria's 2027 elections. Is he plotting a major realignment? Read the full story.
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As Nigeria's 2027 elections draw closer, former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has sparked intense political debate by calling for a renewed North-South-South alliance to "save" Nigeria.
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El-Rufai made the statement during a condolence visit to the family of the late Edwin Clark, a respected Niger Delta leader and elder statesman who passed away on February 17, 2024. Addressing political leaders at the gathering, the former governor recalled the historical partnership between the North and the South-South, urging a return to that alliance to "rescue" the country from its current crisis.
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El-Rufai did not mince words about the country's deteriorating state, declaring that Nigeria needs an urgent rescue operation.
"In the 60s, 70s, and 80s, the traditional political partners of the North were the South-South. Let us not forget that. Let us go back to that. Let us save this country because it really requires saving. We need a rescue operation," he said.
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His remarks come at a time when politicians across party lines are holding secret meetings, exploring coalitions, and positioning for the 2027 elections.
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El-Rufai's visit to the Clark family was led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, further fueling speculation about his shifting political allegiance.
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Atiku, who served as vice president from 1999 to 2007 under Olusegun Obasanjo's administration, was credited by El-Rufai for spearheading key economic reforms during that period. This public acknowledgment by el-Rufai has raised questions about whether he is aligning with Atiku's camp ahead of 2027.
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Over the past few weeks, El-Rufai has been seen in a series of meetings with high-profile opposition figures. In January, he met with:
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-Hamza Al-Mustapha, former aide to the late military ruler Sani Abacha
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-Shehu Gabam, National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP)
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-Other key political figures in Abuja
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These meetings, according to Segun Showunmi, a former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar's campaign, were aimed at strategizing for 2027 elections.
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Amid these political maneuvers, El-Rufai has openly expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
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Just last month, he dropped a bombshell statement, saying that his distance from the APC is widening, raising concerns that he might be considering a new political platform or alliance.
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Although he has not officially declared a defection, his recent actions and alliances strongly suggest a major political shift.
El-Rufai's remarks and recent political moves highlight a brewing realignment that could reshape Nigeria's political landscape before 2027. With growing discontent within the ruling APC, opposition leaders like Atiku Abubakar and others are positioning themselves for a comeback, and El-Rufai could play a crucial role in this emerging coalition.
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His call for a North-South-South alliance has raised questions:
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Is El-Rufai positioning himself as a key opposition figure for 2027?
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Will he formally leave the APC and join a new coalition?
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What impact will this realignment have on Nigeria's political future?
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As political intrigues unfold, one thing is certain-El-Rufai is a man to watch ahead of the 2027 elections.
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— Afnews Editor