Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has declared that he will not be contesting for any political office in the 2027 general elections, clarifying that his renewed presence in the political scene is solely to promote and encourage credible leadership across the country.
Speaking in Kaduna during a reception organised to welcome decampees from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under the leadership of Aliyu Bello, El-Rufai explained that his return to active politics is not tied to any personal ambition.
He revealed that after leaving office in 2023, his initial plan was to take a step back from partisan politics. However, recent developments, he noted, necessitated his return, not to seek elective positions, but to play a supportive role in shaping the political landscape.
El-Rufai did not hold back his criticism of the current administration, stressing that Nigerians do not need further clarification to see its failings. According to him, “This government does nothing but lie every day. I am not contesting for anything. I don’t want to go to the Senate. I am not contesting for any position. That’s why I am calling on you, let us join hands and ensure we remove the oppressors.”
He further explained that his decision to re-engage politically was driven by the need to work towards better governance. “When I finished my tenure as governor of Kaduna State, I intended to rest but given the way things have turned out, I believe we must play our part to bring about better leadership. That is why we are back in politics,” he said.
The former governor emphasized that his focus now is on mentoring and supporting the younger generation, women, and reform-minded citizens who are eager to actively participate in the nation’s political process. He encouraged young people in Kaduna to take the ongoing voter registration exercise seriously, warning that apathy could weaken their voice in shaping the state’s future.
“In Lagos and Osun, at least 600,000 people registered. But in Kaduna, only 60,000. Anyone who is 18 years old should go and register, even with their phone. Registration is what gives you the right to choose who governs you,” El-Rufai stressed.
What you should know
Nasir El-Rufai, a two-term governor of Kaduna State, has clarified that his political involvement ahead of 2027 is not to seek power but to guide and support credible leadership.
Known for his outspoken views, El-Rufai has shifted his attention to mentoring youth and women, urging them to register and actively participate in the democratic process.
