Nasir El-Rufai Explains Why He Is Not Contesting for Any Position

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has put to rest months of speculation about his political future, stating that he is not contesting for any position. The veteran politician’s announcement marks a significant shift in his career, moving him from a prominent office seeker to a powerful figure operating from the sidelines.

Since his ministerial nomination was stalled and eventually withdrawn by the Tinubu administration, El-Rufai has become an increasingly vocal critic of the government he helped bring to power. His recent resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party he co-founded, was widely seen as a direct consequence of this strained relationship.

While many observers had anticipated a fresh political contest from the former governor, El-Rufai’s recent statements suggest a different path. He has reportedly turned his focus to his private life, including his desire to pursue a PhD. However, his actions betray a continued, if different, political engagement. His defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and reported alliance with other key opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, indicate a strategic attempt to build a formidable front against the ruling party.

El-Rufai has also become a fierce critic of the government’s economic policies and has been vocal about his disagreements with the administration. This new role as a political opposition figure has made him a headache for the ruling party, which has historically struggled to manage dissent from within its ranks.

His decision not to run for office is therefore not an exit from politics but a change in strategy. By not being a candidate, he avoids the scrutiny and potential pitfalls of a direct electoral contest, allowing him to be a kingmaker and a strategic voice for a new opposition movement. For a politician known for his direct and often controversial style, this new role as an influential figure outside the corridors of power is a testament to his continued relevance and a sign of the evolving dynamics of Nigerian politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.