Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has called on key opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, to abandon merger plans and instead join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa over the weekend, El-Rufai emphasized that forming a strong alliance under the SDP would be a more effective strategy to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the next election.
El-Rufai’s Appeal to Opposition Leaders
El-Rufai, who recently resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), urged the opposition heavyweights to unite under one party rather than attempt to create a new political platform.
“My wish and prayer is for Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola—all key opposition leaders—to come and join the SDP, not to pursue a merger or form a new party,” he stated.
Presidential Ambition? El-Rufai Responds
When asked about his own 2027 presidential ambitions, El-Rufai clarified that the decision was not his to make, stressing that it would depend on the party and the will of the people.
“It is not for me to decide. It is the party and the people who will decide. Even when I contested for governor, it was people who met and convinced Muhammadu Buhari, and he called me to run,” he explained.
El-Rufai’s move has fueled speculation about his political future and the potential reshaping of Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
