El-Rufai has ruled out 2027 presidential bid under ADC and named candidate to support.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has ruled out contesting for the presidency under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or seeking any elective position in the 2027 general elections.
El-Rufai clarified that his renewed involvement in politics is not driven by personal ambition but by a commitment to support credible leaders at all levels of governance.
He made the remarks in Kaduna during a reception held for new defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ADC, led by Aliyu Bello.
According to him, his initial plan after leaving office in 2023 was to withdraw from partisan politics. However, he noted that recent political realities compelled him to return, this time to push for reforms and better leadership.
“This government does nothing but lie every day. I am not contesting for anything. I don’t want to go to the Senate, and I am not contesting for president. That’s why I am calling on you to join hands and ensure we remove the oppressors,” El-Rufai said.
The former governor stressed that his priority is mentoring young people, women, and reform-driven Nigerians to take charge of the political space, dismissing speculations of any personal ambition.
“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 explained.
El-Rufai also urged youths in Kaduna to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise, noting that voter participation is key to driving change.
“In Lagos and Osun, at least 600,000 people registered, but in Kaduna, only 60,000. Anyone who is 18 years old should register, even with their phone. Registration gives you the power to decide who governs you,” he stated.
A prominent voice in northern politics, El-Rufai reiterated that his political activities going forward will be focused on building a coalition of credible leaders, rather than pursuing elective office for himself.