Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has explained his support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election, despite controversies surrounding Tinubu’s academic records from Chicago State University.
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In a recent interview with the BBC, El-Rufai stated that he and other politicians backed Tinubu, believing he would replicate his successes as the Governor of Lagos State. However, he expressed disappointment, noting that the current administration has not met their expectations.
El-Rufai has been vocal in criticizing the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the party of deviating from its founding principles. He lamented the lack of internal democracy and inactive party structures, stating, “I no longer recognize the APC. No party organ has met in two years—no caucus, no NEC, nothing.” He also attributed the emergence of poor leadership to unqualified delegates within the party.
On March 10, 2025, El-Rufai resigned from the APC, citing a misalignment of values with the ruling party. Following his departure, he has actively sought to build a formidable opposition by inviting prominent politicians to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He specifically called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former ministers Rotimi Amaechi and Rauf Aregbesola to join forces within the SDP to challenge the APC in the 2027 elections.
Addressing speculation about his own presidential ambitions for 2027, El-Rufai emphasized that such decisions rest with the party and the electorate. He remarked, “It is not for me to decide; it is the party and the people that will decide.”
