Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has openly called on Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rauf Aregbesola to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as the strongest opposition force to retire President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, El-Rufai declared:
“My wishes and prayers are that Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf, all opposition leaders come and join SDP—not to do a merger or register a new party.”
His statement rejects APC’s leadership and signals a political realignment ahead of 2027.
El-Rufai: “Tinubu Has Failed—SDP Must Take Over!”
El-Rufai’s anti-Tinubu stance follows his March 10 resignation from APC, citing policy failures and disappointment with Tinubu’s leadership. His defection has stunned observers, given his past loyalty to Tinubu.
“What pains me is that the government we supported and had confidence in has failed. We thought Tinubu would replicate his Lagos success, but he hasn’t,” El-Rufai said.
His direct challenge to Tinubu contradicts the Presidency’s claim that Tinubu is focused on governance, not re-election.
Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga defended Tinubu, saying:
“President Tinubu is not worried about the next election. He’s worried about improving Nigeria’s economy.”
But El-Rufai’s push for SDP suggests a growing split within APC, with SDP positioning itself as the alternative in 2027.
El-Rufai to Atiku, Obi: “Let’s Use SDP to Retire Tinubu!”
While El-Rufai has not declared his own 2027 ambition, he left the door open, saying his decision would depend on the party and public support.
“It is not for me to decide; it is the party and the people that will decide. Even when I was contesting for governor, people convinced Buhari to back me,” he said.
With Atiku and Obi yet to respond, El-Rufai’s SDP push could reshape Nigeria’s political future.
The big question now is: Will Atiku and Obi join him to retire Tinubu, or will he stand alone?
