El-Rufai Denies Viral Claim on 2027 Presidential Contention
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has refuted a viral social media claim suggesting he declared which region should produce Nigeria’s president in 2027.
The reports circulating online alleged that the African Democratic Congress leader had endorsed a “southern presidency” and hinted at supporting Labour Party candidate Peter Obi over former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
In a statement shared on Monday via his official X account, El-Rufai described the reports as “untrue”, emphasizing that he never made such comments in speeches, interviews, or on his verified social media channels.
“My attention has been drawn to a viral fake news item claiming I specified which region should produce the president in 2027. This is false. I have not made such statements in any speeches, interviews, or social media posts,” he said.
El-Rufai also clarified that sharing opinion articles authored by others on his platforms should not be interpreted as his personal view, stressing that misattribution is common in today’s social media environment.
He called on journalists and the public to verify information before publication or sharing, warning that the circulation of unverified claims undermines society.
“In this era of misinformation, the responsibility to fact-check before posting or publishing is more critical than ever. Society suffers when media leaders and influencers fail in this duty,” he added.
El-Rufai reiterated that no statements should be attributed to him unless made through his official channels or reputable media interviews, urging all stakeholders to act responsibly to curb fake news and reckless politicking.
