Moses Adeniyi
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has firmly ruled out contesting any elective office in the 2027 general elections, declaring that his renewed political involvement is anchored on mentorship and the pursuit of credible leadership rather than personal ambition.
El-Rufai made the announcement in Kaduna on Wednesday while welcoming a group of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory stressed that he has no intention of seeking a Senate seat or any other political position.
“I am not contesting for anything. I don’t want to go to the Senate. I am not seeking any position,” El-Rufai said. “When I finished my tenure as governor, 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.”
After completing his two terms as governor in 2023, El-Rufai had signalled a retreat from partisan politics, choosing instead to focus on private engagements. However, unfolding national developments, he explained, compelled his return to the political space—this time not as a contender but as a mentor.
El-Rufai revealed that his priority is now to “support and mentor young people, women, and reform-minded Nigerians” who are willing to step into governance with integrity and vision.
Implications for 2027 Politics
The statement comes amid growing speculation about El-Rufai’s political future, with analysts often touting him as a potential force in national politics as an influential figure in northern Nigeria. His categorical denial of any 2027 ambition, therefore, carries weight in recalibrating political expectations.
By aligning himself with the ADC and rallying defectors into its fold, El-Rufai appears to be signalling a broader mission: building alternative political platforms and strengthening a reform-minded base ahead of the 2027 elections.
Call to Youth
The former governor urged young Nigerians, especially in Kaduna, to seize the opportunity to engage actively in politics and leadership, warning that the future of the country would depend on their willingness to challenge the status quo.
His latest declaration positions him less as a political contender and more as a kingmaker—seeking to shape Nigeria’s next generation of leaders from behind the scenes.
