Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has extended an invitation to prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola, to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
This appeal follows El-Rufai's resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on March 10, 2025, citing a misalignment of values with the ruling party.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, El-Rufai emphasized the importance of consolidating opposition forces within the SDP rather than pursuing mergers or establishing new political entities. He stated, "My wishes and prayers are for Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, and all opposition leaders to come and join SDP, not to do a merger or to register a new political party."
El-Rufai expressed disappointment with President Bola Tinubu's administration, noting that his initial support was based on Tinubu's achievements in Lagos State. He remarked, "We all know about his issues in Chicago, but we thought if he could replicate his work in Lagos for Nigeria, let's support him. However, he failed."
Regarding his own political ambitions, El-Rufai indicated that any decision to run for president in 2027 would depend on the party's direction and the will of the people. He explained, "It is not for me to decide; it is the party and the people that will decide. Even when I was contesting for governor, it was people that met and convinced (Muhammadu) Buhari, and he called me and asked me to contest."
The Presidency has responded to El-Rufai's statements, asserting that President Tinubu is currently focused on improving the economic conditions of Nigerians rather than on the 2027 elections. Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday, stated, "President Tinubu is not worried about the next election. He's worried about the shared prosperity that he can bring to Nigerians."