THE former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai has ruled out contesting for any political office in the 2027 general elections, stating that his return to active politics is aimed solely at supporting credible leadership rather than pursuing personal ambitions.
El-Rufai made the declaration in Kaduna during a reception organised for new members who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Aliyu Bello.
According to him, his initial plan after leaving office in 2023 was to step away from partisan politics.
However, he said recent developments in the country had convinced him to re-engage—not to seek power but to help foster better governance.
The former governor also launched a scathing criticism of the current administration, claiming Nigerians no longer needed explanations to recognise its failures. “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 declared.
El-Rufai explained that his focus moving forward would be on mentoring young people, women, and reform-minded Nigerians to actively participate in politics.
He urged youths in Kaduna to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise, stressing the importance of political participation.
“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,” he said.