Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, embarked on a politically charged visit to Lagos, meeting with prominent figures Rauf Aregbesola, a former Minister of Interior, and Pastor Tunde Bakare. This visit, documented through widely circulated photographs, sparked speculation about El-Rufai’s political maneuvering in anticipation of the 2027 general elections. El-Rufai’s recent public criticisms of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu, coupled with his association with opposition figures, have positioned him as a potentially disruptive force within the Nigerian political landscape. The visit to Aregbesola and Bakare, both of whom have expressed their own discontent with the current administration, suggests a potential alignment of dissenting voices within and outside the APC.
The timing of El-Rufai’s visit is particularly noteworthy, coming shortly after his controversial interview on Arise Television, where he accused President Tinubu of deliberately obstructing his ministerial nomination and criticized National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu for allegedly undermining the North. These public pronouncements, combined with his prior meetings with opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, paint a picture of a politician increasingly distanced from the APC and potentially exploring alternative political avenues. His Lagos visit, following closely on the heels of a meeting with former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna, adds another layer of intrigue to El-Rufai’s political trajectory.
The converging paths of El-Rufai, Aregbesola, and Bakare represent a confluence of political disaffection. Aregbesola, a former ally of Tinubu, recently left the APC alongside his supporters in Osun State, signaling a significant fracture within the ruling party’s ranks. Bakare, who contested the APC presidential ticket against Tinubu, has also emerged as a vocal critic of the current government. El-Rufai’s decision to engage with these figures suggests a strategic effort to consolidate opposition sentiment, potentially laying the groundwork for a new political alliance or even a breakaway faction from the APC.
The APC’s response to El-Rufai’s activities has been a mixture of cautious observation and downplaying of his significance. While some party officials have expressed concern about his perceived anti-party activities, others have emphasized his right to freedom of association. This measured response reflects the delicate balancing act the APC faces in dealing with a prominent figure who commands a significant following but is increasingly critical of the party’s direction. The party’s leadership appears to be adopting a wait-and-see approach, monitoring El-Rufai’s moves without escalating the situation.
El-Rufai’s recent actions have ignited a flurry of speculation about his political future. His criticism of the APC and President Tinubu, coupled with his outreach to opposition figures and disgruntled members of the ruling party, suggests a deliberate distancing from the current power structure. Whether this signals a move towards forming a new political alliance, joining an existing opposition party, or remaining within the APC to challenge the established leadership remains unclear. His carefully cultivated image as a maverick politician willing to challenge the status quo adds to the intrigue surrounding his next move.
The 2027 general elections are still several years away, but El-Rufai’s current maneuvering indicates that the political landscape is already beginning to shift. His alliances and pronouncements are being closely scrutinised for clues about his long-term ambitions. The possibility of a significant realignment of political forces, driven by figures like El-Rufai, Aregbesola, and Bakare, adds a layer of uncertainty to the future of Nigerian politics. The coming years will reveal whether El-Rufai’s recent activities are a precursor to a major political shakeup or simply a strategic repositioning within the existing power structure.
