Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has distanced himself from any ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election, declaring that his sole mission is to see the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu voted out of power.
In a candid interview with Arise News, El-Rufai, who once served as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), did not mince words in his criticism of the Tinubu-led government, describing it as a “tragedy” and “evil” that must not be allowed to continue.
“We have polled it. There is 91% disapproval of this administration across the country. 91% disapproval is the worst in Nigeria’s history,” he said.
El-Rufai emphasized that Nigerians are yearning for a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a party he helped bring to power. He expressed regret over his role in Tinubu’s emergence and stated his intention to contribute toward dismantling what he now sees as a failing administration.
“I just feel that having contributed to bringing about this tragedy to Nigeria by contributing to the emergence of Tinubu as president, I should contribute in my last lap… towards removing this evil that I believe will destroy Nigeria if left unchecked.”
When asked if he would collaborate with other notable political figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, or Rotimi Amaechi, El-Rufai said the focus should be on unity and consensus, not individual ambitions.
“You’ve mentioned my name. I have no ambition,” he asserted. “I want to see people coming together, putting aside their differences and ambitions, and giving [Nigerians] an alternative to this failure of a government.”
He concluded by stating that he is open to supporting any political platform chosen by collective consensus as long as it serves as a vehicle to remove Tinubu from office.
El-Rufai’s comments are already stirring political debates, especially within the APC, as tensions grow ahead of the 2027 elections.
