Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has ruled out any ambition to contest political office in the 2027 general elections, stressing that his renewed involvement in politics is driven solely by a desire to support credible leadership and groom a new generation of reform-minded Nigerians.
El-Rufai made this declaration in Kaduna during a reception held for a group of decampees from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Aliyu Bello.
The former governor revealed that his initial plan after leaving office in 2023 was to withdraw from partisan politics and take a break from public life.
However, he said unfolding developments in the country compelled him to re-engage—not to pursue personal ambition, but to play a supportive role in reshaping Nigeria’s political future.
Taking a swipe at the present administration, El-Rufai declared that Nigerians “do not need further explanation” to understand its failures.
He said:
“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.”
El-Rufai emphasized that his focus now is on mentoring young people, women, and reform-driven citizens to take ownership of the political process. He urged youths in Kaduna to seize the opportunity of the ongoing voter registration exercise to secure their right to choose future leaders.
“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 power to decide who governs you,” he said.
By stepping aside from personal political aspirations, El-Rufai positions himself as a mentor and mobilizer, rallying support for a new wave of leadership ahead of 2027.
